[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3935 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        H.R.3935

                     One Hundred Eighteenth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

         Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,
         the third day of January, two thousand and twenty-four


                                 An Act


 
 To amend title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize and improve the 
 Federal Aviation Administration and other civil aviation programs, and 
                           for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2024''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.

                         TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

Sec. 101. Airport planning and development and noise compatibility 
          planning and programs.
Sec. 102. Facilities and equipment.
Sec. 103. Operations.
Sec. 104. Extension of miscellaneous expiring authorities.

            TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM

Sec. 201. FAA leadership.
Sec. 202. Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
          Improvement.
Sec. 203. Prohibition on conflicting pecuniary interests.
Sec. 204. Authority of Secretary and Administrator.
Sec. 205. Regulatory materials improvement.
Sec. 206. Future of NextGen.
Sec. 207. Airspace Modernization Office.
Sec. 208. Application dashboard and feedback portal.
Sec. 209. Sense of Congress on FAA engagement during rulemaking 
          activities.
Sec. 210. Civil Aeromedical Institute.
Sec. 211. Management Advisory Council.
Sec. 212. Chief Operating Officer.
Sec. 213. Report on unfunded capital investment needs of air traffic 
          control system.
Sec. 214. Chief Technology Officer.
Sec. 215. Definition of air traffic control system.
Sec. 216. Peer review of Office of Whistleblower Protection and Aviation 
          Safety Investigations.
Sec. 217. Cybersecurity lead.
Sec. 218. Eliminating FAA reporting and unnecessary requirements.
Sec. 219. Authority to use electronic service.
Sec. 220. Safety and efficiency through digitization of FAA systems.
Sec. 221. FAA telework.
Sec. 222. Review of office space.
Sec. 223. Restoration of authority.
Sec. 224. FAA participation in industry standards organizations.
Sec. 225. Sense of Congress on use of voluntary consensus standards.
Sec. 226. Required designation.
Sec. 227. Administrative Services Franchise Fund.
Sec. 228. Commercial preference.
Sec. 229. Advanced Aviation Technology and Innovation Steering 
          Committee.
Sec. 230. Review and updates of categorical exclusions.
Sec. 231. Implementation of anti-terrorist and narcotic air events 
          programs.

                 TITLE III--AVIATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

Sec. 301. Helicopter air ambulance operations.
Sec. 302. Global aircraft maintenance safety improvements.
Sec. 303. ODA best practice sharing.
Sec. 304. Training of organization delegation authorization unit 
          members.
Sec. 305. Clarification on safety management system information 
          disclosure.
Sec. 306. Reauthorization of certain provisions of the Aircraft 
          Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act.
Sec. 307. Continued oversight of FAA compliance program.
Sec. 308. Scalability of safety management systems.
Sec. 309. Review of safety management system rulemaking.
Sec. 310. Independent study on future state of type certification 
          processes.
Sec. 311. Use of advanced tools and high-risk flight testing in 
          certifying aerospace products.
Sec. 312. Transport airplane and propulsion certification modernization.
Sec. 313. Fire protection standards.
Sec. 314. Risk model for production facility inspections.
Sec. 315. Review of FAA use of aviation safety data.
Sec. 316. Weather reporting systems study.
Sec. 317. GAO study on expansion of the FAA weather camera program.
Sec. 318. Audit on aviation safety in era of wireless connectivity.
Sec. 319. Safety data analysis for aircraft without transponders.
Sec. 320. Crash-resistant fuel systems in rotorcraft.
Sec. 321. Reducing turbulence-related injuries on part 121 aircraft 
          operations.
Sec. 322. Study on radiation exposure.
Sec. 323. Study on impacts of temperature in aircraft cabins.
Sec. 324. Lithium-ion powered wheelchairs.
Sec. 325. National simulator program policies and guidance.
Sec. 326. Briefing on agricultural application approval timing.
Sec. 327. Sense of Congress regarding safety and security of aviation 
          infrastructure.
Sec. 328. Restricted category aircraft maintenance and operations.
Sec. 329. Aircraft interchange agreement limitations.
Sec. 330. Task Force on human factors in aviation safety.
Sec. 331. Update of FAA standards to allow distribution and use of 
          certain restricted routes and terminal procedures.
Sec. 332. ASOS/AWOS service report dashboard.
Sec. 333. Helicopter safety.
Sec. 334. Review and incorporation of human readiness levels into agency 
          guidance material.
Sec. 335. Service difficulty reports.
Sec. 336. Consistent and timely pilot checks for air carriers.
Sec. 337. Flight service stations.
Sec. 338. Tarmac operations monitoring study.
Sec. 339. Improved safety in rural areas.
Sec. 340. Study on FAA use of mandatory Equal Access to Justice Act 
          waivers.
Sec. 341. Airport air safety.
Sec. 342. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative.
Sec. 343. Accountability and compliance.
Sec. 344. Changed product rule reform.
Sec. 345. Administrative authority for civil penalties.
Sec. 346. Study on airworthiness standards compliance.
Sec. 347. Zero tolerance for near misses, runway incursions, and surface 
          safety risks.
Sec. 348. Improvements to Aviation Safety Information Analysis and 
          Sharing Program.
Sec. 349. Instructions for continued airworthiness aviation rulemaking 
          committee.
Sec. 350. Secondary cockpit barriers.
Sec. 351. Part 135 duty and rest.
Sec. 352. Flight data recovery from overwater operations.
Sec. 353. Ramp worker safety call to action.
Sec. 354. Voluntary reporting protections.
Sec. 355. Tower marking notice of proposed rulemaking.
Sec. 356. Promotion of civil aeronautics and safety of air commerce.
Sec. 357. Educational and professional development.
Sec. 358. Global aviation safety.
Sec. 359. Availability of personnel for inspections, site visits, and 
          training.
Sec. 360. Wildfire suppression.
Sec. 361. Continuous aircraft tracking and transmission for high 
          altitude balloons.
Sec. 362. Cabin air safety.
Sec. 363. Commercial air tour and sport parachuting safety.
Sec. 364. Hawaii air noise and safety task force.
Sec. 365. Modernization and improvements to aircraft evacuation.
Sec. 366. 25-hour cockpit voice recorder.
Sec. 367. Sense of Congress regarding mandated contents of onboard 
          emergency medical kits.
Sec. 368. Passenger aircraft first aid and emergency medical kit 
          equipment and training.
Sec. 369. International aviation safety assessment program.
Sec. 370. Whistleblower protection enforcement.
Sec. 371. Civil penalties for whistleblower protection program 
          violations.
Sec. 372. Enhanced qualification program for restricted airline 
          transport pilot certificate.

                   Subtitle B--Aviation Cybersecurity

Sec. 391. Findings.
Sec. 392. Aerospace product safety.
Sec. 393. Federal Aviation Administration regulations, policy, and 
          guidance.
Sec. 394. Securing aircraft avionics systems.
Sec. 395. Civil aviation cybersecurity rulemaking committee.
Sec. 396. GAO report on cybersecurity of commercial aviation avionics.

                      TITLE IV--AEROSPACE WORKFORCE

Sec. 401. Repeal of duplicative or obsolete workforce programs.
Sec. 402. Civil airmen statistics.
Sec. 403. Bessie Coleman Women in Aviation Advisory Committee.
Sec. 404. FAA engagement and collaboration with HBCUs and MSIs.
Sec. 405. Airman knowledge testing working group.
Sec. 406. Airman Certification Standards.
Sec. 407. Airman's Medical Bill of Rights.
Sec. 408. Improved designee misconduct reporting process.
Sec. 409. Report on safe uniform options for certain aviation employees.
Sec. 410. Human factors professionals.
Sec. 411. Aeromedical innovation and modernization working group.
Sec. 412. Frontline manager workload study.
Sec. 413. Medical Portal Modernization Task Group.
Sec. 414. Study of high school aviation maintenance training programs.
Sec. 415. Improved access to air traffic control simulation training.
Sec. 416. Air traffic controller instructor recruitment, hiring, and 
          retention.
Sec. 417. Ensuring hiring of air traffic control specialists is based on 
          assessment of job-relevant aptitudes.
Sec. 418. Pilot program to provide veterans with pilot training 
          services.
Sec. 419. Providing non-Federal weather observer training to airport 
          personnel.
Sec. 420. Prohibition of remote dispatching.
Sec. 421. Crewmember pumping guidance.
Sec. 422. GAO study and report on extent and effects of commercial 
          aviation pilot shortage on regional/commuter carriers.
Sec. 423. Report on implementation of recommendations of Federal 
          Aviation Administration Youth Access to American Jobs in 
          Aviation Task Force.
Sec. 424. Sense of Congress on improving unmanned aircraft system 
          staffing at FAA.
Sec. 425. Joint aviation employment training working group.
Sec. 426. Military aviation maintenance technicians rule.
Sec. 427. Crewmember self-defense training.
Sec. 428. Direct-hire authority utilization.
Sec. 429. FAA Workforce review audit.
Sec. 430. Staffing model for aviation safety inspectors.
Sec. 431. Safety-critical staffing.
Sec. 432. Deterring crewmember interference.
Sec. 433. Use of biographical assessments.
Sec. 434. Employee assault prevention and response plan standards and 
          best practices.
Sec. 435. Formal policy on sexual assault and harassment on air 
          carriers.
Sec. 436. Interference with security screening personnel.
Sec. 437. Air traffic control workforce staffing.
Sec. 438. Airport service workforce analysis.
Sec. 439. Federal Aviation Administration Academy and facility expansion 
          plan.
Sec. 440. Improving Federal aviation workforce development programs.
Sec. 441. National strategic plan for aviation workforce development.

               TITLE V--PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS

                    Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements

Sec. 501. Establishment of Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
Sec. 502. Additional within and beyond perimeter slot exemptions at 
          Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Sec. 503. Refunds.
Sec. 504. Know Your Rights posters.
Sec. 505. Access to customer service assistance for all travelers.
Sec. 506. Airline customer service dashboards.
Sec. 507. Increase in civil penalties.
Sec. 508. Advisory committee for aviation consumer protection.
Sec. 509. Extension of aviation consumer advocate reporting requirement.
Sec. 510. Codification of consumer protection provisions.
Sec. 511. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Sec. 512. Reimbursement for incurred costs.
Sec. 513. Streamlining of offline ticket disclosures.
Sec. 514. GAO study on competition and consolidation in the air carrier 
          industry.
Sec. 515. GAO study and report on the operational preparedness of air 
          carriers for certain events.
Sec. 516. Family seating.
Sec. 517. Passenger experience advisory committee.
Sec. 518. Updating passenger information requirement regulations.
Sec. 519. Seat dimensions.
Sec. 520. Modernization of consumer complaint submissions.

                        Subtitle B--Accessibility

Sec. 541. Air Carrier Access Act advisory committee.
Sec. 542. Improved training standards for assisting passengers who use 
          wheelchairs.
Sec. 543. Training standards for stowage of wheelchairs and scooters.
Sec. 544. Mobility aids on board improve lives and empower all.
Sec. 545. Prioritizing accountability and accessibility for aviation 
          consumers.
Sec. 546. Accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Sec. 547. Equal accessibility to passenger portals.
Sec. 548. Aircraft access standards.
Sec. 549. Investigation of complaints.
Sec. 550. Removal of outdated references to passengers with 
          disabilities.
Sec. 551. On-board wheelchairs in aircraft cabin.
Sec. 552. Aircraft accessibility.

                   Subtitle C--Air Service Development

Sec. 561. Essential air service reforms.
Sec. 562. Small community air service development grants.
Sec. 563. GAO study and report on the alternate essential air service 
          pilot program.
Sec. 564. Essential air service in parts of Alaska.
Sec. 565. Essential air service community petition for review.
Sec. 566. Essential air service authorization.
Sec. 567. GAO study on costs of essential air service.
Sec. 568. Response time for applications to provide essential air 
          service.
Sec. 569. GAO study on certain airport delays.
Sec. 570. Report on restoration of small community air service.

           TITLE VI--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM

Sec. 601. Instrument landing system installation.
Sec. 602. Navigation aids study.
Sec. 603. NextGen accountability review.
Sec. 604. Airspace access.
Sec. 605. FAA contract tower workforce audit.
Sec. 606. Air traffic control tower safety.
Sec. 607. Air traffic services data reports.
Sec. 608. Consideration of small hub control towers.
Sec. 609. Flight profile optimization.
Sec. 610. Extension of enhanced air traffic services pilot program.
Sec. 611. Federal contact tower wage determinations and positions.
Sec. 612. Briefing on radio communications coverage around mountainous 
          terrain.
Sec. 613. Aeronautical mobile communications services.
Sec. 614. Delivery of clearance to pilots via internet protocol.
Sec. 615. Study on congested airspace.
Sec. 616. Briefing on LIT VORTAC project.
Sec. 617. Surface surveillance.
Sec. 618. Consideration of third-party services.
Sec. 619. NextGen programs.
Sec. 620. Contract Tower Program.
Sec. 621. Remote towers.
Sec. 622. Audit of legacy systems.
Sec. 623. Air Traffic Control Facility Realignment study.
Sec. 624. Air traffic control tower replacement process report.
Sec. 625. Contract tower program safety enhancements.
Sec. 626. Sense of Congress on use of advanced surveillance in oceanic 
          airspace.
Sec. 627. Low-altitude routes for vertical flight.
Sec. 628. Required consultation with National Parks Overflights Advisory 
          Group.
Sec. 629. Upgrading and replacing aging air traffic systems.
Sec. 630. Airspace integration for space launch and reentry.
Sec. 631. Update to FAA order on airway planning standard.

              TITLE VII--MODERNIZING AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

          Subtitle A--Airport Improvement Program Modifications

Sec. 701. Development of airport plans.
Sec. 702. AIP definitions.
Sec. 703. Revenue diversion penalty enhancement.
Sec. 704. Extension of competitive access report requirement.
Sec. 705. Renewal of certain leases.
Sec. 706. Community use of airport land.
Sec. 707. Price adjustment provisions.
Sec. 708. Updating United States Government's share of project costs.
Sec. 709. Allowable project costs and letters of intent.
Sec. 710. Small airport letters of intent.
Sec. 711. Prohibition on provision of airport improvement grant funds to 
          certain entities that have violated intellectual property 
          rights of United States entities.
Sec. 712. Apportionments.
Sec. 713. PFC turnback reduction.
Sec. 714. Airport safety and resilient infrastructure discretionary 
          program.
Sec. 715. Special carryover assumption rule.
Sec. 716. Small airport fund.
Sec. 717. Revision of discretionary categories.
Sec. 718. Discretionary fund for terminal development costs.
Sec. 719. Protecting general aviation airports from closure.
Sec. 720. State block grant program.
Sec. 721. Innovative financing techniques.
Sec. 722. Long-term management plans.
Sec. 723. Alternative project delivery.
Sec. 724. Nonmovement area surveillance surface display systems pilot 
          program.
Sec. 725. Airport accessibility.
Sec. 726. General aviation airport runway extension pilot program.
Sec. 727. Repeal of obsolete criminal provisions.
Sec. 728. Transfers of air traffic systems acquired with AIP funding.
Sec. 729. National priority system formulas.
Sec. 730. Minority and disadvantaged business participation.
Sec. 731. Extension of provision relating to airport access roads in 
          remote locations.
Sec. 732. Populous counties without airports.
Sec. 733. AIP handbook update.
Sec. 734. GAO audit of airport financial reporting program.
Sec. 735. GAO study of onsite airport generation.
Sec. 736. Transportation demand management at airports.
Sec. 737. Coastal airports assessment.
Sec. 738. Airport investment partnership program.
Sec. 739. Special rule for reclassification of certain unclassified 
          airports.
Sec. 740. Permanent solar powered taxiway edge lighting systems.
Sec. 741. Secondary runways.
Sec. 742. Increasing energy efficiency of airports and meeting current 
          and future energy power demands.
Sec. 743. Review of airport layout plans.
Sec. 744. Protection of safe and efficient use of airspace at airports.
Sec. 745. Electric aircraft infrastructure pilot program.
Sec. 746. Curb management practices.
Sec. 747. Notice of funding opportunity.
Sec. 748. Runway safety projects.
Sec. 749. Airport diagram terminology.
Sec. 750. GAO study on fee transparency by fixed based operators.
Sec. 751. Minority and disadvantaged business participation.
Sec. 752. Prohibition on certain runway length requirements.
Sec. 753. Report on Indo-Pacific airports.
Sec. 754. GAO study on implementation of grants at certain airports.
Sec. 755. GAO study on transit access.
Sec. 756. Banning municipal airport.
Sec. 757. Disputed changes of sponsorship at federally obligated, 
          publicly owned airport.
Sec. 758. Procurement regulations applicable to FAA multimodal projects.
Sec. 759. Buckeye 940 release of deed restrictions.
Sec. 760. Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area.
Sec. 761. Study on air cargo operations in Puerto Rico.
Sec. 762. Progress reports on the national transition plan related to a 
          fluorine-free firefighting foam.
Sec. 763. Report on airport notifications.
Sec. 764. Study on competition and airport access.
Sec. 765. Regional airport capacity study.
Sec. 766. Study on autonomous and electric-powered track systems.
Sec. 767. PFAS-related resources for airports.
Sec. 768. Limitation on certain rolling stock procurements.
Sec. 769. Maintaining safe fire and rescue staffing levels.
Sec. 770. Grant assurances.
Sec. 771. Aviation fuel in Alaska.
Sec. 772. Application of amendments.
Sec. 773. Prohibition on use of amounts to process or administer any 
          application for the joint use of Homestead Air Reserve Base 
          with civil aviation.
Sec. 774. Universal changing station.
Sec. 774A. Airport human trafficking prevention grants.
Sec. 774B. Study on improvements for certain nonhub airports.

                 Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges

Sec. 775. Additional permitted uses of passenger facility charge 
          revenue.
Sec. 776. Passenger facility charge streamlining.

      Subtitle C--Noise And Environmental Programs And Streamlining

Sec. 781. Streamlining consultation process.
Sec. 782. Repeal of burdensome emissions credit requirements.
Sec. 783. Expedited environmental review and one Federal decision.
Sec. 784. Subchapter III definitions.
Sec. 785. Pilot program extension.
Sec. 786. Part 150 noise standards update.
Sec. 787. Reducing community aircraft noise exposure.
Sec. 788. Categorical exclusions.
Sec. 789. Updating presumed to conform limits.
Sec. 790. Recommendations on reducing rotorcraft noise in District of 
          Columbia.
Sec. 791. UFP study.
Sec. 792. Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee.
Sec. 793. Community collaboration program.
Sec. 794. Information sharing requirement.
Sec. 795. Mechanisms to reduce helicopter noise.

                      TITLE VIII--GENERAL AVIATION

Sec. 801. Reexamination of pilots or certificate holders.
Sec. 802. GAO review of Pilot's Bill of Rights.
Sec. 803. Data privacy.
Sec. 804. Accountability for aircraft registration numbers.
Sec. 805. Timely resolution of investigations.
Sec. 806. All makes and models authorization.
Sec. 807. Response to letter of investigation.
Sec. 808. ADS-B out equipage study; Vehicle-to-Vehicle link program.
Sec. 809. Ensuring safe landings during off-airport operations.
Sec. 810. Development of low-cost voluntary ADS-B.
Sec. 811. Airshow safety team.
Sec. 812. Aircraft registration validity during renewal.
Sec. 813. Temporary airman certificates.
Sec. 814. Letter of deviation authority.
Sec. 815. BasicMed for examiners administering tests or proficiency 
          checks.
Sec. 816. Designee locator tool improvements.
Sec. 817. Deadline to eliminate aircraft registration backlog.
Sec. 818. Part 135 air carrier certificate backlog.
Sec. 819. Enhancing processes for authorizing aircraft for service in 
          commuter and on-demand operations.
Sec. 820. Flight instructor certificates.
Sec. 821. Consistency of policy application in flight standards and 
          aircraft certification.
Sec. 822. Application of policies, orders, and guidance.
Sec. 823. Expansion of the regulatory consistency communications board.
Sec. 824. Modernization of special airworthiness certification 
          rulemaking deadline.
Sec. 825. Exclusion of gyroplanes from fuel system requirements.
Sec. 826. Public aircraft flight time logging eligibility.
Sec. 827. EAGLE initiative.
Sec. 828. Expansion of BasicMed.
Sec. 829. Prohibition on using ADS-B out data to initiate an 
          investigation.
Sec. 830. Charitable flight fuel reimbursement exemptions.
Sec. 831. GAO report on charitable flights.
Sec. 832. Flight instruction or testing.
Sec. 833. National coordination and oversight of designated pilot 
          examiners.
Sec. 834. Part 135 pilot supplemental oxygen requirement.

             TITLE IX--NEW ENTRANTS AND AEROSPACE INNOVATION

                  Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Sec. 901. Definitions.
Sec. 902. Unmanned aircraft in the Arctic.
Sec. 903. Small UAS safety standards technical corrections.
Sec. 904. Airport safety and airspace hazard mitigation and enforcement.
Sec. 905. Radar data pilot program.
Sec. 906. Electronic conspicuity study.
Sec. 907. Remote identification alternative means of compliance.
Sec. 908. Part 107 waiver improvements.
Sec. 909. Environmental review and noise certification.
Sec. 910. Unmanned aircraft system use in wildfire response.
Sec. 911. Pilot program for UAS inspections of FAA infrastructure.
Sec. 912. Drone infrastructure inspection grant program.
Sec. 913. Drone education and workforce training grant program.
Sec. 914. Drone workforce training program study.
Sec. 915. Termination of Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee.
Sec. 916. Unmanned and Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee.
Sec. 917. NextGen Advisory Committee membership expansion.
Sec. 918. Interagency coordination.
Sec. 919. Review of regulations to enable unescorted UAS operations.
Sec. 920. Extension of BEYOND program.
Sec. 921. UAS integration strategy.
Sec. 922. Extension of Know Before You Fly campaign.
Sec. 923. Public aircraft definition.
Sec. 924. FAA comprehensive plan on UAS automation.
Sec. 925. UAS test ranges.
Sec. 926. Public safety use of tethered UAS.
Sec. 927. Extending special authority for certain unmanned aircraft 
          systems.
Sec. 928. Recreational operations of drone systems.
Sec. 929. Applications for designation.
Sec. 930. Beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned aircraft 
          systems.
Sec. 931. Acceptable levels of risk and risk assessment methodology.
Sec. 932. Third-party service approvals.
Sec. 933. Special authority for transport of hazardous materials by 
          commercial package delivery unmanned aircraft systems.
Sec. 934. Operations over high seas.
Sec. 935. Protection of public gatherings.
Sec. 936. Covered drone prohibition.
Sec. 937. Expanding use of innovative technologies in the Gulf of 
          Mexico.

                    Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

Sec. 951. Definitions.
Sec. 952. Sense of Congress on FAA leadership in advanced air mobility.
Sec. 953. Application of National Environmental Policy Act categorical 
          exclusions for vertiport projects.
Sec. 954. Advanced Air Mobility Working Group amendments.
Sec. 955. Rules for operation of powered-lift aircraft.
Sec. 956. Advanced propulsion systems regulations.
Sec. 957. Powered-lift aircraft entry into service.
Sec. 958. Infrastructure supporting vertical flight.
Sec. 959. Charting of aviation infrastructure.
Sec. 960. Advanced air mobility infrastructure pilot program extension.
Sec. 961. Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies.

                    TITLE X--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

Sec. 1001. Definitions.
Sec. 1002. Research, engineering, and development authorization of 
          appropriations.
Sec. 1003. Report on implementation; funding for safety research and 
          development.
Sec. 1004. National aviation research plan modification.
Sec. 1005. Advanced Materials Center of Excellence enhancements.
Sec. 1006. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Sec. 1007. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority.
Sec. 1008. CLEEN engine and airframe technology partnership.
Sec. 1009. High-speed flight testing.
Sec. 1010. High-speed aircraft pathway to integration study.
Sec. 1011. Operating high-speed flights in high altitude Class E 
          airspace.
Sec. 1012. Electric propulsion aircraft operations study.
Sec. 1013. Contract weather observers program.
Sec. 1014. Airfield pavement technology program.
Sec. 1015. Review of FAA management of research and development.
Sec. 1016. Research and development of FAA's aeronautical information 
          systems modernization activities.
Sec. 1017. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and 
          Environment.
Sec. 1018. Next generation radio altimeters.
Sec. 1019. Hydrogen aviation strategy.
Sec. 1020. Aviation fuel systems.
Sec. 1021. Air traffic surveillance over United States controlled 
          oceanic airspace and other remote locations.
Sec. 1022. Aviation weather technology review.
Sec. 1023. Air traffic surface operations safety.
Sec. 1024. Technology review of artificial intelligence and machine 
          learning technologies.
Sec. 1025. Research plan for commercial supersonic research.
Sec. 1026. Electromagnetic spectrum research and development.
Sec. 1027. Research plan on the remote tower program.
Sec. 1028. Air traffic control training.
Sec. 1029. Report on aviation cybersecurity directives.
Sec. 1030. Turbulence research and development.
Sec. 1031. Rule of construction regarding collaborations.
Sec. 1032. Limitation.

     Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility

Sec. 1041. Definitions.
Sec. 1042. Interagency working group.
Sec. 1043. Strategic research plan.
Sec. 1044. Federal Aviation Administration unmanned aircraft system and 
          advanced air mobility research and development.
Sec. 1045. Partnerships for research, development, demonstration, and 
          testing.

                         TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 1101. Technical corrections.
Sec. 1102. Transportation of organs.
Sec. 1103. Acceptance of digital driver's license and identification 
          cards.
Sec. 1104. Quasquicentennial of aviation.
Sec. 1105. Limitations for certain cargo aircraft.
Sec. 1106. Prohibition on mandates.
Sec. 1107. COVID-19 vaccination status.
Sec. 1108. Rulemaking related to operating high-speed flights in high 
          altitude Class E airspace.
Sec. 1109. FAA leadership in hydrogen aviation.
Sec. 1110. Advancing global leadership on civil supersonic aircraft.
Sec. 1111. Learning period.
Sec. 1112. Counter-UAS authorities.
Sec. 1113. Study on air cargo operations.
Sec. 1114. Wing-in-ground-effect craft.
Sec. 1115. Certificates of authorization or waiver.
Sec. 1116. Designation of additional port of entry for the importation 
          and exportation of wildlife and wildlife products by the 
          United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

             TITLE XII--NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

Sec. 1201. Short title.
Sec. 1202. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 1203. Clarification of treatment of territories.
Sec. 1204. Additional workforce training.
Sec. 1205. Overtime annual report termination.
Sec. 1206. Strategic workforce plan.
Sec. 1207. Travel budgets.
Sec. 1208. Notification requirement.
Sec. 1209. Board justification of closed unacceptable recommendations.
Sec. 1210. Miscellaneous investigative authorities.
Sec. 1211. Public availability of accident reports.
Sec. 1212. Ensuring accountability for timeliness of reports.
Sec. 1213. Ensuring access to data.
Sec. 1214. Public availability of safety recommendations.
Sec. 1215. Improving delivery of family assistance.
Sec. 1216. Updating civil penalty authority.
Sec. 1217. Electronic availability of public docket records.
Sec. 1218. Drug-free workplace.
Sec. 1219. Accessibility in workplace.
Sec. 1220. Most Wanted List.
Sec. 1221. Technical corrections.
Sec. 1222. Air safety investigators.
Sec. 1223. Review of National Transportation Safety Board procurements.

                     TITLE XIII--REVENUE PROVISIONS

Sec. 1301. Expenditure authority from airport and airway trust fund.
Sec. 1302. Extension of taxes funding airport and airway trust fund.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
    In this Act:
        (1) Administrator.--Unless otherwise specified, the term 
    ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
    Administration.
        (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term ``appropriate 
    committees of Congress'' means the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
    and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
    Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
        (3) Comptroller general.--The term ``Comptroller General'' 
    means the Comptroller General of the United States.
        (4) FAA.--The term ``FAA'' means the Federal Aviation 
    Administration.
        (5) Nextgen.--The term ``NextGen'' means the Next Generation 
    Air Transportation System.
        (6) Secretary.--Unless otherwise specified, the term 
    ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Transportation.

                        TITLE I--AUTHORIZATIONS

    SEC. 101. AIRPORT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AND NOISE COMPATIBILITY 
      PLANNING AND PROGRAMS.
    (a) Authorization.--Section 48103(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (6) by striking ``and'' at the end;
        (2) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
        ``(7) $3,350,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
        ``(8) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
        ``(9) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
        ``(10) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
        ``(11) $4,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
    (b) Obligation Authority.--Section 47104(c) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by 
striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    SEC. 102. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.
    Section 48101(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking paragraphs (1) through (7) and inserting the following:
        ``(1) $3,191,250,000 for fiscal year 2024.
        ``(2) $3,575,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
        ``(3) $3,625,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
        ``(4) $3,675,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
        ``(5) $3,725,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
    SEC. 103. OPERATIONS.
    (a) In General.--Section 106(k)(1) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) through (G) and inserting the 
following:
            ``(A) $12,729,627,000 for fiscal year 2024;
            ``(B) $13,055,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
            ``(C) $13,354,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
            ``(D) $13,650,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
            ``(E) $13,954,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
    (b) Authorized Expenditures.--Section 106(k)(2)(D) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking clauses (i) through (v);
        (2) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (i); and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(ii) $42,018,000 for fiscal year 2024.
                ``(iii) $52,985,000 for fiscal year 2025.
                ``(iv) $59,044,000 for fiscal year 2026.
                ``(v) $65,225,000 for fiscal year 2027.
                ``(vi) $71,529,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
    (c) Authority to Transfer Funds.--Section 106(k)(3) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the 
    following:
            ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding'';
        (2) by striking ``in each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023 and 
    for the period beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on May 10, 
    2024'' and inserting ``in each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028''; 
    and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(B) Prioritization.--In reducing non-safety-related 
        activities of the Administration under subparagraph (A), the 
        Secretary shall prioritize such reductions from amounts other 
        than amounts authorized under this subsection, section 48101, 
        or section 48103.
            ``(C) Sunset.--This paragraph shall cease to be effective 
        on October 1, 2028.''.
    SEC. 104. EXTENSION OF MISCELLANEOUS EXPIRING AUTHORITIES.
    (a) Authority to Provide Insurance.--Section 44310(b) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and 
inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    (b) Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau.--Section 47115(i) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``fiscal years 
2018 through 2023, and for the period beginning on October 1, 2023, and 
ending on May 10, 2024,'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2024 through 
2028,''.
    (c) Weather Reporting Programs.--Section 48105 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (5) and adding at the end 
the following:
        ``(5) $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 
    2028.''.
    (d) Midway Island Airport.--Section 186(d) of the Vision 100--
Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 108-176) is amended 
by striking ``fiscal years 2018 through 2023 and for the period 
beginning on October 1, 2023, and ending on May 10, 2024,'' and 
inserting ``for fiscal years 2024 through 2028,''.
    (e) Extension of the Safety Oversight and Certification Advisory 
Committee.--Section 202(h) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(Public Law 115-254) is amended by striking ``shall terminate'' and all 
that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``shall 
terminate on October 1, 2028.''.

           TITLE II--FAA OVERSIGHT AND ORGANIZATIONAL REFORM

    SEC. 201. FAA LEADERSHIP.
    Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``The Federal'' and inserting 
    ``In General.--The Federal''; and
        (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Administration Leadership.--
        ``(1) Administrator.--
            ``(A) In general.--The head of the Administration is the 
        Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President, by and 
        with the advice and consent of the Senate.
            ``(B) Qualifications.--The Administrator shall--
                ``(i) be a citizen of the United States;
                ``(ii) not be an active duty member of the Armed 
            Forces;
                ``(iii) not have retired from the Armed Forces within 
            the 7 years preceding nomination; and
                ``(iv) have experience in organizational management and 
            a field directly related to aviation.
            ``(C) Fitness.--In appointing an individual as 
        Administrator, the President shall consider the fitness of such 
        individual to carry out efficiently the duties and powers of 
        the office.
            ``(D) Term of office.--The term of office for any 
        individual appointed as Administrator shall be 5 years.
            ``(E) Reporting chain.--Except as provided in subsection 
        (f) or in other provisions of law, the Administrator reports 
        directly to the Secretary of Transportation.
        ``(2) Deputy administrator.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Administrator has a Deputy 
        Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President.
            ``(B) Qualifications.--The Deputy Administrator shall--
                ``(i) be a citizen of the United States; and
                ``(ii) have experience in organizational management and 
            a field directly related to aviation.
            ``(C) Fitness.--In appointing an individual as Deputy 
        Administrator, the President shall consider the fitness of the 
        individual to carry out efficiently the duties and powers of 
        the office, including the duty to act for the Administrator 
        when the Administrator is absent or unable to serve, or when 
        the office of Administrator is vacant.
            ``(D) Reporting chain.--The Deputy Administrator reports 
        directly to the Administrator.
            ``(E) Duties.--The Deputy Administrator shall carry out 
        duties and powers prescribed by the Administrator.
            ``(F) Compensation.--
                ``(i) Annual rate of basic pay.--The annual rate of 
            basic pay of the Deputy Administrator shall be set by the 
            Secretary but shall not exceed the annual rate of basic pay 
            payable to the Administrator.
                ``(ii) Exception.--A retired regular officer of the 
            Armed Forces serving as the Deputy Administrator is 
            entitled to hold a rank and grade not lower than that held 
            when appointed as the Deputy Administrator and may elect to 
            receive--

                    ``(I) the pay provided for the Deputy Administrator 
                under clause (i); or
                    ``(II) the pay and allowances or the retired pay of 
                the military grade held.

                ``(iii) Reimbursement of expenses.--If the Deputy 
            Administrator elects to receive compensation described in 
            clause (ii)(II), the Administration shall reimburse the 
            appropriate military department from funds available for 
            the expenses of the Administration.
        ``(3) Leadership of the administration defined.--In this 
    section, the term `leadership of the Administration' means--
            ``(A) the Administrator under paragraph (1); and
            ``(B) the Deputy Administrator under paragraph (2).''.
    SEC. 202. ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR RULEMAKING AND REGULATORY 
      IMPROVEMENT.
    (a) Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
Improvement.--Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
amended by striking subsections (c) and (d) and inserting the 
following:
    ``(c) Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
Improvement.--There is an Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and 
Regulatory Improvement who shall be appointed by the Administrator and 
shall--
        ``(1) be responsible for developing and managing the execution 
    of a regulatory agenda for the Administration that meets statutory 
    and Administration deadlines, including by--
            ``(A) prioritizing rulemaking projects that are necessary 
        to improve safety;
            ``(B) establishing the regulatory agenda of the 
        Administration; and
            ``(C) coordinating with offices of the Administration, the 
        Department, and other Federal entities as appropriate to 
        improve timely feedback generation and approvals when required 
        by law;
        ``(2) not delegate overall responsibility for meeting internal 
    timelines and final completion of the regulatory activities of the 
    Administration outside the Office of the Assistant Administrator 
    for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement;
        ``(3) on an ongoing basis, review the regulations of the 
    Administration in effect to--
            ``(A) improve safety;
            ``(B) reduce undue regulatory burden;
            ``(C) replace prescriptive regulations with performance-
        based regulations, as appropriate;
            ``(D) prevent duplicative regulations; and
            ``(E) increase regulatory clarity and transparency whenever 
        possible;
        ``(4) make recommendations for the review of the Administrator 
    under subsection (f)(3)(C)(ii);
        ``(5) receive, coordinate, and respond to petitions for 
    rulemaking and for exemption as provided for in subpart A of part 
    11 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and provide an initial 
    response to a petitioner not later than 30 days after the receipt 
    of such a petition--
            ``(A) acknowledging receipt of such petition;
            ``(B) confirming completeness of such petition;
            ``(C) providing an initial indication of the complexity of 
        the request and how such complexity may impact the timeline for 
        adjudication; and
            ``(D) requesting any additional information, as 
        appropriate, that would assist in the consideration of the 
        petition;
        ``(6) track the issuance of exemptions and waivers by the 
    Administration to sections of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, and establish a methodology by which to determine if 
    it would be more efficient and in the interest of the public to 
    amend a rule to reduce the future need of waivers and exemptions; 
    and
        ``(7) promulgate regulatory updates as determined more 
    efficient or in the best interest of the public under paragraph 
    (6).
    ``(d) [Reserved].''.
    (b) Systemically Addressing Need for Exemptions and Waivers.--Not 
later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement of 
the FAA shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives on the methodology developed pursuant to section 
106(c)(6) of title 49, United States Code (as added by this section).
    SEC. 203. PROHIBITION ON CONFLICTING PECUNIARY INTERESTS.
    Section 106(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read 
as follows:
    ``(e) Prohibition on Conflicting Pecuniary Interests.--
        ``(1) In general.--The leadership of the Administration may not 
    have a pecuniary interest in, or hold a financial interest in, an 
    aeronautical enterprise or engage in another business, vocation, or 
    employment.
        ``(2) Teaching.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Deputy 
    Administrator may not receive compensation for teaching without 
    prior approval of the Administrator.
        ``(3) Financial interest defined.--In this subsection, the term 
    `financial interest'--
            ``(A) means--
                ``(i) any current or contingent ownership, equity, or 
            security interest;
                ``(ii) any indebtedness or compensated employment 
            relationship; or
                ``(iii) any right to purchase or acquire any such 
            ownership, equity, or security interest, including a stock 
            option; and
            ``(B) does not include securities held in an index fund.''.
    SEC. 204. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATOR.
    (a) In General.--Section 106(f) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1)--
            (A) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting 
        ``paragraphs (2) and (3)'';
            (B) by striking ``Neither'' and inserting ``In exercising 
        duties, powers, and authorities that are assigned to the 
        Secretary or the Administrator under this title, neither''; and
            (C) by striking ``a committee, board, or organization 
        established by executive order.'' and inserting the following: 
        ``a committee, board, council, or organization that is--
            ``(A) established by executive order; or
            ``(B) not explicitly directed by legislation to review the 
        exercise of such duties, powers, and authorities by the 
        Secretary or the Administrator.'';
        (2) in paragraph (2)--
            (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking ``the acquisition'' 
        and all that follows through the semicolon and inserting ``the 
        acquisition, establishment, improvement, operation, 
        maintenance, security (including cybersecurity), and disposal 
        of property, facilities, services, and equipment of the 
        Administration, including all elements of the air traffic 
        control system owned by the Administration;'';
            (B) in subparagraph (A)(iii) by striking ``paragraph (3)'' 
        and inserting ``paragraph (4)''; and
            (C) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``civil aviation, any 
        matter for which the Administrator is the final authority under 
        subparagraph (A), any duty carried out by the Administrator 
        pursuant to paragraph (3), or the provisions of this title, 
        or'' after ``with respect to'';
        (3) in paragraph (3)--
            (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                (i) by striking ``In the performance'' and inserting 
            the following:
                ``(i) Issuance of regulations.--In the performance'';
                (ii) by striking ``The Administrator shall act'' and 
            inserting the following:
                ``(ii) Petitions for rulemaking.--The Administrator 
            shall act'';
                (iii) by striking ``The Administrator shall issue'' and 
            inserting the following:
                ``(iii) Rulemaking timeline.--The Administrator shall 
            issue''; and
                (iv) by striking ``On February 1'' and inserting the 
            following:
                ``(iv) Reporting requirement.--On February 1''; and
            (B) by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and inserting the 
        following:
            ``(B) Approval of secretary of transportation.--
                ``(i) In general.--The Administrator may not issue, 
            unless the Secretary of Transportation approves the 
            issuance of the regulation in advance, a proposed 
            regulation or final regulation that--

                    ``(I) is likely to result in the expenditure by 
                State, local, and Tribal governments in the aggregate, 
                or by the private sector, of $250,000,000 or more 
                (adjusted annually for inflation beginning with the 
                year following the date of enactment of the FAA 
                Reauthorization Act of 2024) in any year; or
                    ``(II) is significant.

                ``(ii) Significant regulations.--For purposes of this 
            paragraph, a regulation is significant if the 
            Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary (as 
            appropriate), determines that the regulation--

                    ``(I) will have an annual effect on the economy of 
                $250,000,000 or more (adjusted annually for inflation 
                beginning with the year following the date of enactment 
                of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024);
                    ``(II) raises novel or serious legal or policy 
                issues that will substantially and materially affect 
                other transportation modes; or
                    ``(III) adversely affects, in a substantial and 
                material way, the economy, a sector of the economy, 
                productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, 
                public health or safety, or a State, local, or Tribal 
                government or community.

                ``(iii) Emergency regulation.--

                    ``(I) In general.--In an emergency as determined by 
                the Administrator, the Administrator may issue a final 
                regulation described in clause (i) without prior 
                approval of the Secretary.
                    ``(II) Objection.--If the Secretary objects to a 
                regulation issued under subclause (II) in writing not 
                later than 5 days (excluding Saturday, Sundays, and 
                legal public holidays) after the issuance, the 
                Administrator shall immediately rescind such 
                regulation.

                ``(iv) Other regulations.--The Secretary may not 
            require that the Administrator submit a proposed or final 
            regulation to the Secretary for approval, nor may the 
            Administrator submit a proposed or final regulation to the 
            Secretary for approval, if the regulation--

                    ``(I) does not require the approval of the 
                Secretary under clause (i) (excluding a regulation 
                issued under clause (iii)); or
                    ``(II) is a routine or frequent action or a 
                procedural action.

                ``(v) Timeline.--The Administrator shall submit a copy 
            of any proposed or final regulation requiring approval by 
            the Secretary under clause (i) to the Secretary, who shall 
            either approve the regulation or return the regulation to 
            the Administrator with comments not later than 30 days 
            after receiving the regulation. If the Secretary fails to 
            approve or return the regulation with comments to the 
            Administrator not later than 30 days after receiving such 
            regulation, the regulation shall be deemed to have been 
            approved by the Secretary.
            ``(C) Periodic review.--
                ``(i) In general.--For any significant regulation 
            issued after the date of enactment of the FAA 
            Reauthorization Act of 2024, in addition to the review 
            requirements established under section 5.13(d) of title 49, 
            Code of Federal Regulations, the Administrator shall review 
            any significant regulation 3 years after the effective date 
            of such regulation.
                ``(ii) Discretionary review.--The Administrator may 
            review any regulation that has been in effect for more than 
            3 years.
                ``(iii) Substance of review.--In performing a review 
            under clause (i) or (ii), the Administrator shall determine 
            if--

                    ``(I) the cost assumptions supporting the 
                regulation were accurate;
                    ``(II) the intended benefit of the regulation is 
                being realized;
                    ``(III) the need remains to continue such 
                regulation as in effect; and
                    ``(IV) the Administrator recommends updates to such 
                regulation based on the review criteria specified in 
                section 5.13(d) of title 49, Code of Federal 
                Regulations.

                ``(iv) Review management.--Any periodic review of a 
            regulation under this subparagraph shall be managed by the 
            Assistant Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory 
            Improvement, who may task an advisory committee or the 
            Management Advisory Council established under subsection 
            (p) to assist in performing the review.'';
        (4) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (4) 
    and (5), respectively; and
        (5) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
        ``(3) Duties and powers of the administrator.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall carry out--
                ``(i) the duties and powers of the Secretary under this 
            subsection related to aviation safety (except duties and 
            powers related to transportation, packaging, marking, or 
            description of hazardous material) and stated in--

                    ``(I) subsections (c) and (d) of section 1132;
                    ``(II) sections 40101(c), 40103(b), 40106(a), 
                40108, 40109(b), 40113(a), 40113(c), 40113(d), 
                40113(e), 40114(a), and 40117;
                    ``(III) chapter 443;
                    ``(IV) chapter 445, except sections 44502(a)(3), 
                44503, and 44509;
                    ``(V) chapter 447, except sections 44721(b) and 
                44723;
                    ``(VI) chapter 448;
                    ``(VII) chapter 451;
                    ``(VIII) chapter 453;
                    ``(IX) section 46104;
                    ``(X) subsections (d) and (h)(2) of section 46301, 
                section 46303(c), sections 46304 through 46308, section 
                46310, section 46311, and sections 46313 through 46320;
                    ``(XI) chapter 465;
                    ``(XII) chapter 471;
                    ``(XIII) chapter 475; and
                    ``(XIV) chapter 509 of title 51; and

                ``(ii) such additional duties and powers as may be 
            prescribed by the Secretary.
            ``(B) Applicability.--Section 40101(d) applies to the 
        duties and powers specified in subparagraph (A).
            ``(C) Transfer.--Any of the duties and powers specified in 
        subparagraph (A) may only be transferred to another part of the 
        Department if specifically provided by law or in a 
        reorganization plan submitted under chapter 9 of title 5.
            ``(D) Administrative finality.--A decision of the 
        Administrator in carrying out the duties or powers specified in 
        subparagraph (A) is administratively final.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 106 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking subsection (g) and inserting the 
following:
    ``(g) [reserved].''.
    (c) Preservation of Existing Authority.--Nothing in this section or 
the amendments made by this section shall be construed to restrict any 
authority vested in the Administrator by statute or by delegation that 
was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act.
    SEC. 205. REGULATORY MATERIALS IMPROVEMENT.
    (a) Internal Regulatory Process Review.--
        (1) In general.--
            (A) Review team.--The Administrator shall establish a 
        regulatory process review team (in this section referred to as 
        the ``review team'') comprising of FAA employees and 
        individuals described in paragraph (2) to develop 
        recommendations to improve the timeliness, performance, and 
        accountability of the development and promulgation of 
        regulatory materials.
            (B) Report.--The review team shall submit to the 
        Administrator a report with recommendations in accordance with 
        the deadlines specified in paragraph (5).
        (2) Other members; consultation.--
            (A) In general.--The review team shall include at least 3 
        outside experts and or academics with relevant experience or 
        expertise in aviation safety and at least 1 outside expert with 
        relevant experience or expertise in improving the performance, 
        accountability, and transparency of the Federal regulatory 
        process, particularly as such process relates to aviation 
        safety.
            (B) Consultation.--The review team may, as appropriate, 
        consult with industry stakeholders.
        (3) Contents of review.--In conducting the review required 
    under paragraph (1), the review team shall do the following:
            (A) Develop a proposal for rationalizing processes and 
        eliminating redundant administrative review of regulatory 
        materials within the FAA, particularly when FAA-sponsored 
        rulemaking committees and stakeholders have collaborated on the 
        proposed regulations.
            (B) With respect to each office within the FAA that reviews 
        regulatory materials, assess--
                (i) the timeline assigned to each such office to 
            complete the review of regulatory materials;
                (ii) the actual time spent for such review;
                (iii) opportunities to reduce the actual time for such 
            review; and
                (iv) whether clear roles, responsibilities, 
            requirements, and expectations are clearly defined for each 
            office required to review the regulatory materials.
            (C) Define and document the roles and responsibilities of 
        each office within the FAA that develops, drafts, or reviews 
        each kind of regulatory material in order to ensure that hiring 
        reflects who, where, and how the employees of each such office 
        function in the rulemaking framework.
            (D) Describe any organizational changes or the need to hire 
        additional FAA employees, if necessary, and take into 
        consideration whether current positions are staffed, to reduce 
        delays in publication of regulatory materials.
            (E) In order to provide the public with detailed 
        information on the progress of the development of regulatory 
        materials, identify reporting mechanisms and develop a template 
        and appropriate system metrics for making publicly available on 
        a website a progress tracker that updates to show the major 
        stages (as determined by the Administrator) of the development 
        of regulatory materials as such materials are initiated, in 
        progress, and completed.
            (F) Consider changes to the best practices of the FAA under 
        rules governing ex parte communications, including 
        communications with international validating authorities, and 
        with consideration of the public interest in transparency, to 
        provide flexibility for FAA employees to discuss regulatory 
        materials, particularly for such regulatory materials related 
        to enhancing aviation safety and the aviation international 
        leadership of the United States.
            (G) Recommend methods by which the FAA can incorporate 
        research funded by the Department of Transportation, in 
        addition to consensus standards and conformance assessment 
        processes developed by recognized industry standards 
        organizations into regulatory materials, to keep pace with 
        rapid changes in aviation technologies and processes.
            (H) Recommend mechanisms to optimize the roles of the 
        Office of the Secretary of Transportation and the Office of 
        Management and Budget, with the objective of improving the 
        efficiency of regulatory activity.
        (4) Action plan.--The Administrator shall develop and transmit 
    to the appropriate committees of Congress an action plan to 
    implement, as appropriate, the recommendations developed by the 
    review team.
        (5) Deadlines.--The requirements of this section shall be 
    subject to the following deadlines:
            (A) Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of 
        this section, the review team shall complete the evaluation 
        required under paragraph (1) and submit to the Administrator 
        the report of the review team on such evaluation.
            (B) Not later than 30 days after the date on which the 
        review team submits the report under subparagraph (A), the 
        Administrator shall develop and publish the action plan under 
        paragraph (4).
        (6) Sunset.--The review team shall terminate upon completion of 
    the requirements under paragraph (5).
        (7) Administrative procedure requirements inapplicable.--The 
    provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 
    5, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Administrative 
    Procedure Act'') shall not apply to any activities of the review 
    team in carrying out the requirements of this section.
        (8) Regulatory materials defined.--In this subsection, the term 
    ``regulatory materials'' means rules, advisory circulars, 
    statements of policy, and other materials related to aviation 
    safety regulations, as well as other materials pertaining to 
    training and operation of aeronautical products.
    (b) Review of Non-regulatory Materials.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of 
    Transportation shall review the coordination and approval processes 
    of non-regulatory materials produced by the FAA to improve the 
    timeliness, transparency, development, and issuance of such 
    materials.
        (2) Contents of review.--In conducting the review under 
    paragraph (1), the inspector general shall--
            (A) provide recommendations for improving processes and 
        eliminating non-value-added reviews of non-regulatory materials 
        within the FAA and Department of Transportation, in 
        consideration of the authority of the Administrator under 
        section 106 of title 49, United States Code, and other 
        applicable laws;
            (B) consider, with respect to each office within the FAA 
        and the Department of Transportation that reviews non-
        regulatory materials--
                (i) the timeline assigned to each such office to 
            complete the review of such materials;
                (ii) the actual time spent for such review; and
                (iii) opportunities to reduce the actual time spent for 
            such review;
            (C) describe any organizational changes and additional 
        resources that the Administrator needs, if necessary, to reduce 
        delays in the development and publication of proposed non-
        regulatory materials;
            (D) consider to what extent reporting mechanisms and 
        templates could be used to provide the public with more 
        consistent information on the development status of non-
        regulatory materials;
            (E) consider changes to the application of rules governing 
        ex parte communications by the Administrator to provide 
        flexibility for employees of the FAA to discuss non-regulatory 
        materials with aviation stakeholders and foreign aviation 
        authorities to promote United States aviation leadership;
            (F) recommend methods by which the Administrator can 
        incorporate standards set by recognized industry standards 
        organizations, as such term is defined in section 224(c), into 
        non-regulatory materials to keep pace with rapid changes in 
        aerospace technology and processes; and
            (G) evaluate the processes and best practices other civil 
        aviation authorities and other Federal departments and agencies 
        use to produce non-regulatory materials, particularly the 
        processes of entities that produce such materials in an 
        expedited fashion to respond to safety risks, incidents, or new 
        technology adoption.
        (3) Consultation.--In conducting the review under paragraph 
    (1), the inspector general may, as appropriate, consult with 
    industry stakeholders, academia, and other individuals with 
    relevant background or expertise in improving the efficiency of 
    Federal non-regulatory material production.
        (4) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the inspector general 
    initiates the review under paragraph (1), the inspector general 
    shall submit to the Administrator a report on such review.
        (5) Action plan.--
            (A) In general.--The Administrator shall develop an action 
        plan to implement, as appropriate, the recommendations 
        contained in the report submitted under paragraph (4).
            (B) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after receiving the 
        report under paragraph (4), the Administrator shall brief the 
        appropriate committees of Congress on such plan.
        (6) Non-regulatory materials defined.--In this subsection, the 
    term ``non-regulatory materials'' means orders, statements of 
    policy, guidance, technical standards, and other materials related 
    to aviation safety, training, and operation of aeronautical 
    products.
    SEC. 206. FUTURE OF NEXTGEN.
    (a) Key Programs.--Not later than December 31, 2025, the 
Administrator shall operationalize all of the key programs under the 
NextGen program as described in the deployment plan of the FAA.
    (b) Office Termination.--The NextGen Office of the FAA shall 
terminate on December 31, 2025.
    (c) Transfer of Residual NextGen Implementation Functions.--If the 
Administrator does not complete the air traffic modernization project 
known as the NextGen program by the deadline specified in subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall transfer the residual functions for 
completing the NextGen program to the Airspace Modernization Office of 
the FAA established under section 207.
    (d) Transfer of NextGen Advisory Committee.--Not later than 
December 31, 2025, management of the NextGen Advisory Committee shall 
transfer to the Chief Operating Officer of the air traffic control 
system.
    (e) Transfer of Advanced Air Mobility Functions.--Not later than 90 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, any advanced air mobility 
relevant functions, duties, and responsibilities of the NAS Systems 
Engineering and Integration Office or other offices within the Office 
of NextGen of the FAA shall be incorporated into the Office of Aviation 
Safety of the FAA.
    (f) Remaining Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), and 
after implementing subsections (c) through (e), the Administrator shall 
transfer any remaining duties, authorities, activities, personnel, and 
assets managed by the Office of NextGen of the FAA to other offices of 
the FAA, as appropriate.
    (g) Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace.--Section 106 of title 
49, United States Code, is further amended by striking subsection (h) 
and inserting the following:
    ``(h) Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace.--
        ``(1) In general.--There is established within the 
    Administration a technology center to support the advancement of 
    aerospace safety and innovation which shall be known as the 
    `William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace' (in 
    this subsection referred to as the `Technical Center') that shall 
    be used by the Administrator and, as permitted by the 
    Administrator, other governmental entities, academia, and the 
    aerospace industry.
        ``(2) Management.--The activities of the Technical Center shall 
    be managed by a Director.
        ``(3) Activities.--The activities of the Technical Center shall 
    include--
            ``(A) developing and stimulating technology partnerships 
        with and between industry, academia, and other government 
        agencies and supporting such partnerships by--
                ``(i) liaising between external persons and offices of 
            the Administration interested in such work;
                ``(ii) providing technical expertise and input, as 
            appropriate; and
                ``(iii) providing access to the properties, facilities, 
            and systems of the Technical Center through appropriate 
            agreements;
            ``(B) managing technology demonstration grants awarded by 
        the Administrator;
            ``(C) identifying software, systems, services, and 
        technologies that could improve aviation safety and the 
        operations and management of the air traffic control system and 
        working with relevant offices of the Administration to consider 
        the use and integration of such software, systems, services, 
        and technologies, as appropriate;
            ``(D) supporting the work of any collocated facilities and 
        tenants of such facilities, and to the extent feasible, enter 
        into agreements as necessary to utilize the facilities, 
        systems, and technologies of such collocated facilities and 
        tenants;
            ``(E) managing the facilities of the Technical Center; and
            ``(F) carrying out any other duties as determined 
        appropriate by the Administrator.''.
    (h) Conforming Amendment.--Section 44507 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking ``(a) Civil Aeromedical Institute'' and all 
    that follows through ``The Civil Aeromedical Institute 
    established'' and inserting ``The Civil Aeromedical Institute 
    established''; and
        (2) by striking subsection (b).
    SEC. 207. AIRSPACE MODERNIZATION OFFICE.
    (a) Establishment.--
        (1) In general.--On January 1, 2026, the Administrator shall 
    establish within the FAA an Airspace Modernization Office (in this 
    section referred to as the ``Office'').
        (2) Placement.--The Administrator may task an existing office 
    of the FAA with the functions of the Office.
        (3) Duties.--The Office shall be responsible for--
            (A) the research and development, systems engineering, 
        enterprise architecture, and portfolio management for the 
        continuous modernization of the national airspace system;
            (B) the development of an information-centric national 
        airspace system, including digitization of the processes and 
        technology that supports such system;
            (C) improving the interoperability of FAA systems and 
        third-party systems that support safe operations in the 
        national airspace system; and
            (D) developing and periodically updating an integrated plan 
        for the future state of the national airspace system in 
        coordination with other offices of the FAA.
    (b) Integrated Plan Requirements.--The integrated plan developed by 
the Office shall be designed to ensure that the national airspace 
system meets future safety, security, mobility, efficiency, and 
capacity needs of a diverse and growing set of airspace users. The 
integrated plan shall include the following:
        (1) A description of the demand for services that will be 
    required of the future air transportation system, and an 
    explanation of how the demand projections were derived, including--
            (A) the most likely range of average annual resources 
        required over the duration of the plan to cost effectively 
        maintain the safety, sustainability, and other characteristics 
        of national airspace operation and the mission of the FAA; and
            (B) an estimate of FAA resource requirements by user group, 
        including expectations concerning the growth of new entrants 
        and potential new users.
        (2) A roadmap for creating and implementing the integrated 
    plan, including--
            (A) the most significant technical, operational, and 
        personnel obstacles and the activities necessary to overcome 
        such obstacles, including the role of other Federal agencies, 
        corporations, institutions of higher learning, and nonprofit 
        organizations in carrying out such activities;
            (B) the annual anticipated cost of carrying out such 
        activities;
            (C) the technical milestones that will be used to evaluate 
        the activities; and
            (D) identifying technology gaps that the Administrator or 
        industry may need to address to fully implement the integrated 
        plan.
        (3) A description of the operational concepts to meet the 
    system performance requirements for all system users and a timeline 
    and anticipated expenditures needed to develop and deploy the 
    system.
        (4) A description of the management of the enterprise 
    architecture framework for the introduction of any operational 
    improvements and to inform FAA financial decision-making.
        (5) A justification for the operational improvements that the 
    Office determines will need to be developed and deployed by 2040 to 
    meet the needs of national airspace users, including the benefits, 
    costs, and risks of the preferred and alternative options.
    (c) Considerations.--In developing an initial integrated plan 
required under subsection (b) and carrying out such plan, the Office 
shall consider--
        (1) the results and recommendations of the independent report 
    on implementation of the NextGen program under section 603;
        (2) the status of the transition to, and deployment of, 
    trajectory-based operations within the national airspace system; 
    and
        (3) the findings of the audit required by section 622, and the 
    resulting plan to replace or enhance the identified legacy systems 
    within a reasonable timeframe.
    (d) Consultation.--In developing and carrying out the integrated 
plan, the Office shall consult with the NextGen Advisory Committee of 
the FAA.
    (e) Plan Deadline; Briefings.--
        (1) Plan deadline.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, 
    the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on 
    Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, 
    the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
    Representatives, and the Committee on Appropriations of the House 
    of Representatives an initial integrated plan required under 
    subsection (a)(3)(D).
        (2) Annual briefings.--The Administrator shall provide the 
    committees of Congress specified in paragraph (1) with an annual 
    briefing describing the progress in carrying out the integrated 
    plan required under subsection (a)(3)(D), including any changes to 
    the plan, through 2028.
    (f) DOT Inspector General Review.--Not later than 180 days after 
submission of the initial integrated plan under subsection (e)(1), the 
inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall begin a 
review of the integrated plan and submit to the committees of Congress 
specified in subsection (e)(1) a report that--
        (1) assesses the justification for the integrated plan;
        (2) provides any recommendations for improving the integrated 
    plan; and
        (3) includes any other information that the inspector general 
    determines appropriate.
    SEC. 208. APPLICATION DASHBOARD AND FEEDBACK PORTAL.
    (a) In General.--The Deputy Administrator of the FAA shall 
determine whether a publicly facing dashboard that provides applicants 
with the status of an application before the FAA would be--
        (1) beneficial to applicants;
        (2) an efficient use of resources to build, maintain, and 
    update; or
        (3) duplicative with other efforts of the FAA to streamline and 
    digitize paperwork and certification processes to provide an 
    applicant with a greater awareness of the status of an application 
    before the FAA.
    (b) Recommendation.--Not later than 30 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Deputy Administrator shall provide to the 
Administrator a recommendation regarding the need for or benefits of a 
dashboard or other means by which to track an application status.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 45 days after receiving 
recommendations under subsection (b), the Administrator shall brief the 
appropriate Committees of Congress on--
        (1) any recommendation received under subsection (b); and
        (2) any activities the Administrator is taking in response to 
    such recommendation.
    (d) FAA Feedback Portal.--
        (1) In general.--The Deputy Administrator shall determine 
    whether a publicly facing portal on the website of the FAA through 
    which the public may provide feedback to the Administrator about 
    experiences individuals have working with personnel of the FAA 
    would be beneficial.
        (2) Requirements.--The Deputy Administrator shall ensure any 
    portal established under this subsection asks questions that seek 
    to gauge any shortcomings the FAA has in fulfilling the mission of 
    the FAA or areas where the FAA is succeeding in meeting the mission 
    of the FAA.
    (e) Application.--This section shall apply to applications relating 
to--
        (1) an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance 
    certification;
        (2) an airman or pilot certificate;
        (3) a medical certificate;
        (4) an operator certificate;
        (5) when authority under chapter 509 of title 51, United States 
    Code, is explicitly delegated by the Secretary to the 
    Administrator, a license or permit issued under such chapter;
        (6) an aircraft registration;
        (7) an operational approval, waiver, or exemption;
        (8) a legal interpretation;
        (9) an outstanding agency determination; and
        (10) any certificate not otherwise described in this 
    subparagraph that is issued pursuant to chapter 447 of title 49, 
    United States Code.
    SEC. 209. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON FAA ENGAGEMENT DURING RULEMAKING 
      ACTIVITIES.
    It is the sense of Congress that--
        (1) the Administrator should--
            (A) engage with aviation stakeholder groups and the public 
        during pre-drafting stages of rulemaking activities and use, to 
        the greatest extent practicable, properly docketed ex parte 
        discussions during rulemaking activities in order to--
                (i) inform the work of the Administrator;
                (ii) assist the Administrator in developing the scope 
            of a rule; and
                (iii) reduce the timeline for issuance of proposed and 
            final rules;
            (B) rely on documented data and safety trends when 
        determining whether or not to proceed with a rulemaking 
        activity; and
            (C) not consider a rulemaking activity required in statute, 
        for the purposes of ex parte communications, as having been 
        established on the date of enactment of the related public law, 
        but rather upon obtainment of a regulation identifier number; 
        and
        (2) when it would reduce the time required for the 
    Administrator to adjudicate public comments, the Administrator 
    should publicly provide information describing the rationale behind 
    a regulatory decision included in proposed regulations in order to 
    better allow for the public to provide clear and informed comments 
    on such regulations.
    SEC. 210. CIVIL AEROMEDICAL INSTITUTE.
    Section 106(j) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``There is'' and inserting ``Civil Aeromedical Institute.--
There is''.
    SEC. 211. MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL.
    Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
        (1) by transferring paragraph (8) of subsection (p) to 
    subsection (r) and redesignating such paragraph as paragraph (7); 
    and
        (2) by striking subsection (p) and inserting the following:
    ``(p) Management Advisory Council.--
        ``(1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish an 
    advisory council which shall be known as the Federal Aerospace 
    Management Advisory Council (in this subsection referred to as the 
    `Council').
        ``(2) Membership.--The Council shall consist of 13 members, who 
    shall consist of--
            ``(A) a designee of the Secretary of Transportation;
            ``(B) a designee of the Secretary of Defense;
            ``(C) 5 members representing aerospace and technology 
        interests, appointed by the Administrator;
            ``(D) 5 members representing aerospace and technology 
        interests, appointed by the Secretary of Transportation; and
            ``(E) 1 member, appointed by the Secretary of 
        Transportation, who is the head of a union representing air 
        traffic control system employees.
        ``(3) Qualifications.--No officer or employee of the Federal 
    Government may be appointed to the Council under subparagraph (C) 
    or (D) of paragraph (2).
        ``(4) Functions.--
            ``(A) In general.--
                ``(i) Advise; counsel.--The Council shall provide 
            advice and counsel to the Administrator on issues which 
            affect or are affected by the activities of the 
            Administrator.
                ``(ii) Resource.--The Council shall function as an 
            oversight resource for management, policy, spending, and 
            regulatory matters under the jurisdiction of the 
            Administrator.
                ``(iii) Submissions to administration.--With respect to 
            Administration management, policy, spending, funding, data 
            management and analysis, safety initiatives, international 
            agreements, activities of the International Civil Aviation 
            Organization, and regulatory matters affecting the 
            aerospace industry and the national airspace system, the 
            Council may--

                    ``(I) regardless of whether solicited by the 
                Administrator, submit comments, recommended 
                modifications, proposals, and supporting or dissenting 
                views to the Administrator; and
                    ``(II) request the Administrator include in any 
                submission to Congress, the Secretary, or the general 
                public, and in any submission for publication in the 
                Federal Register, a description of the comments, 
                recommended modifications, and dissenting or supporting 
                views received from the Council under subclause (I).

                ``(iv) Reasoning.--Together with a Council submission 
            that is published or described under clause (iii)(II), the 
            Administrator may provide the reasons for any differences 
            between the views of the Council and the views or actions 
            of the Administrator.
                ``(v) Cost-benefit analysis.--The Council shall review 
            the rulemaking cost-benefit analysis process and develop 
            recommendations to improve the analysis and ensure that the 
            public interest is fully protected.
                ``(vi) Process review.--The Council shall review the 
            process through which the Administration determines to use 
            advisory circulars, service bulletins, and other externally 
            facing guidance and regulatory material.
            ``(B) Meetings.--The Council shall meet not less than 3 
        times annually or at the call of the chair or the 
        Administrator.
            ``(C) Access to documents and staff.--The Administrator may 
        give the Council appropriate access to relevant documents and 
        personnel of the Administration, and the Administrator shall 
        make available, consistent with the authority to withhold 
        commercial and other proprietary information under section 552 
        of title 5 (commonly known as the `Freedom of Information 
        Act'), cost data associated with the acquisition and operation 
        of air traffic service systems.
            ``(D) Disclosure of commercial or proprietary data.--Any 
        member of the Council who receives commercial or other 
        proprietary data as provided for in this paragraph from the 
        Administrator shall be subject to the provisions of section 
        1905 of title 18, pertaining to unauthorized disclosure of such 
        information.
        ``(5) Application of chapter 10 of title 5.--Chapter 10 of 
    title 5 does not apply to--
            ``(A) the Council;
            ``(B) such aviation rulemaking committees as the 
        Administrator shall designate; or
            ``(C) such aerospace rulemaking committees as the Secretary 
        shall designate.
        ``(6) Administrative matters.--
            ``(A) Terms.--Members of the Council appointed under 
        paragraph (2)(C) shall be appointed for a term of 3 years.
            ``(B) Term for air traffic control representative.--The 
        member appointed under paragraph (2)(E) shall be appointed for 
        a term of 3 years, except that the term of such individual 
        shall end whenever the individual no longer meets the 
        requirements of paragraph (2)(E).
            ``(C) Vacancy.--Any vacancy on the Council shall be filled 
        in the same manner as the original appointment, except that any 
        member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the 
        expiration of the term for which the predecessor of the member 
        was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of that 
        term.
            ``(D) Continuation in office.--A member of the Council 
        whose term expires shall continue to serve until the date on 
        which the successor of the member takes office.
            ``(E) Removal.--Any member of the Council appointed under 
        paragraph (2) may be removed for cause by whomever makes the 
        appointment.
            ``(F) Chair; vice chair.--The Council shall elect a chair 
        and a vice chair from among the members appointed under 
        subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (2), each of whom shall 
        serve for a term of 1 year. The vice chair shall perform the 
        duties of the chair in the absence of the chair.
            ``(G) Travel and per diem.--Each member of the Council 
        shall be paid actual travel expenses, and per diem in lieu of 
        subsistence expenses when away from the usual place of 
        residence of the member, in accordance with section 5703 of 
        title 5.
            ``(H) Detail of personnel from the administration.--The 
        Administrator shall make available to the Council such staff, 
        information, and administrative services and assistance as may 
        reasonably be required to enable the Council to carry out the 
        responsibilities of the Council under this subsection.''.
    SEC. 212. CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER.
    Section 106(r) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1)--
            (A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
        following:
            ``(A) Appointment.--There shall be a Chief Operating 
        Officer for the air traffic control system who is appointed by 
        the Administrator and subject to the authority of the 
        Administrator.''; and
            (B) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``shall be appointed 
        for the remainder of that term'' and inserting ``may be 
        appointed for either the remainder of the term or for a full 
        term'';
        (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``, with the approval of the 
    Air Traffic Services Committee'';
        (3) in paragraph (3)--
            (A) by striking ``, in consultation with the Air Traffic 
        Services Committee,''; and
            (B) by striking ``annual basis.'' and inserting-- ``annual 
        basis and shall include responsibility for--
            ``(A) the state of good repair of the air traffic control 
        system;
            ``(B) the continuous improvement of the safety and 
        efficiency of the air traffic control system; and
            ``(C) identifying services and solutions to increase the 
        safety and efficiency of airspace use and to support the safe 
        integration of all airspace users.'';
        (4) in paragraph (4) by striking ``such information as may be 
    prescribed by the Secretary'' and inserting ``the annual 
    performance agreement required under paragraph (3), an assessment 
    of the performance of the Chief Operating Officer in relation to 
    the performance goals in the performance agreement for the previous 
    year, and such other information as may be prescribed by the 
    Administrator''; and
        (5) in paragraph (5)--
            (A) by striking ``Chief Operating Officer, or any other 
        authority within the Administration responsibilities, 
        including'' and inserting ``Chief Operating Officer any 
        authority of the Administrator and shall delegate, at a 
        minimum'';
            (B) in subparagraph (A)--
                (i) in clause (iii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
                (ii) in clause (iv) by striking the period at the end 
            and inserting ``; and''; and
                (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(v) plans to integrate new entrant operations into 
            the national airspace system and associated action 
            items.''; and
            (C) in subparagraph (C)(ii) by striking ``and the 
        Committee''.
    SEC. 213. REPORT ON UNFUNDED CAPITAL INVESTMENT NEEDS OF AIR 
      TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM.
    Section 106(r) of title 49, United States Code, is further amended 
by adding at the end the following:
        ``(6) Unfunded capital investment needs report.--
            ``(A) In general.--Not later than 10 days after the date on 
        which the budget of the President for a fiscal year is 
        submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1150 of title 31, the 
        Administrator shall submit to the Secretary, the Committee on 
        Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate a report on any unfunded capital 
        investment needs of the air traffic control system.
            ``(B) Contents of briefing.--In providing the report under 
        subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall include, for each 
        unfunded capital investment need, the following:
                ``(i) A summary description of such unfunded capital 
            investment need.
                ``(ii) The objective to be achieved if such unfunded 
            capital investment need is funded in whole or in part.
                ``(iii) The additional amount of funds recommended in 
            connection with such objective.
                ``(iv) The Budget Line Item Program and Budget Line 
            Item number associated with such unfunded capital 
            investment need, as applicable.
                ``(v) Any statutory requirement associated with such 
            unfunded capital investment need, as applicable.
            ``(C) Prioritization of requirements.--The briefing 
        required under subparagraph (A) shall present unfunded capital 
        investment needs in overall urgency of priority.
            ``(D) Unfunded capital investment need defined.--In this 
        paragraph, the term `unfunded capital investment need' means a 
        program that--
                ``(i) is not funded in the budget of the President for 
            the fiscal year as submitted to Congress pursuant to 
            section 1105 of title 31;
                ``(ii) is for infrastructure or a system related to 
            necessary modernization or sustainment of the air traffic 
            control system;
                ``(iii) is listed for any year in the most recent 
            National Airspace System Capital Investment Plan of the 
            Administration; and
                ``(iv) would have been recommended for funding through 
            the budget referred to in subparagraph (A) by the 
            Administrator if--

                    ``(I) additional resources had been available for 
                the budget to fund the program, activity, or mission 
                requirement; or
                    ``(II) the program, activity, or mission 
                requirement has emerged since the budget was 
                formulated.''.

    SEC. 214. CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER.
    Section 106(s) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1)--
            (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``There shall be'' and 
        all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
        ``The Chief Technology Officer shall be appointed by the 
        Administrator.'';
            (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``management'' and 
        inserting ``management, systems management,'';
            (C) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D);
            (D) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as 
        subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
            (E) by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so 
        redesignated, the following:
            ``(A) Establishment.--There shall be a Chief Technology 
        Officer for the air traffic control system that shall report 
        directly to the Chief Operating Officer of the air traffic 
        control system.'';
        (2) in paragraph (2)--
            (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``program''; and
            (B) in subparagraph (F) by striking ``aircraft operators'' 
        and inserting ``the Administration, aircraft operators, or 
        other private providers of information and services related to 
        air traffic management''; and
        (3) in paragraph (3)--
            (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``The Chief Technology 
        Officer shall be subject to the postemployment provisions of 
        section 207 of title 18 as if the position of Chief Technology 
        Officer were described in section 207(c)(2)(A)(i) of that 
        title.'';
            (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); 
        and
            (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
            ``(B) Post-employment.--The Chief Technology Officer shall 
        be subject to the postemployment provisions of section 207 of 
        title 18 as if the position of Chief Technology Officer were 
        described in section 207(c)(2)(A)(i) of such title.''.
    SEC. 215. DEFINITION OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM.
    Section 40102(a)(47) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the end;
        (2) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at the end and 
    inserting ``; and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(E) systems, software, and hardware operated, owned, and 
        maintained by third parties that support or directly provide 
        air navigation information and air traffic management services 
        with Administration approval.''.
    SEC. 216. PEER REVIEW OF OFFICE OF WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION AND 
      AVIATION SAFETY INVESTIGATIONS.
    Section 106(t) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking paragraph (7);
        (2) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
        ``(7) Department of transportation office of the inspector 
    general peer review.--
            ``(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, and every 5 
        years thereafter, the inspector general of the Department of 
        Transportation shall perform a peer review of the Office of 
        Whistleblower Protection and Aviation Safety Investigations.
            ``(B) Peer review scope.--In completing the peer reviews 
        required under this paragraph, the inspector general shall, to 
        the extent appropriate, use the most recent peer review guides 
        published by the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity 
        and Efficiency Audit Committee and Investigations Committee.
            ``(C) Reports to congress.--Not later than 90 days after 
        the completion of a peer review required under this paragraph, 
        the inspector general shall submit to the Committee on 
        Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate a description of any actions taken 
        or to be taken to address the results of the peer review.''; 
        and
        (3) in paragraph (8)(B) by striking the comma.
    SEC. 217. CYBERSECURITY LEAD.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall designate an executive of 
the FAA to serve as the lead for the cybersecurity of FAA systems and 
hardware (in this section referred to as the ``Cybersecurity Lead'').
    (b) Duties.--The Cybersecurity Lead shall carry out duties and 
powers prescribed by the Administrator, including the management of 
activities required under subtitle B of title III.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 1 and 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Cybersecurity Lead shall brief the 
appropriate committees of Congress on the implementation of subtitle B 
of title III.
    SEC. 218. ELIMINATING FAA REPORTING AND UNNECESSARY REQUIREMENTS.
    (a) Annual Report on Aviation Activities.--Section 308 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking subsection (b);
        (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
        (3) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (c).
    (b) Annual Report on the Purchase of Foreign Manufactured 
Articles.--Section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by striking paragraph (5).
    (c) Annual Report on Assistance to Foreign Aviation Authorities.--
Section 40113(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking paragraph (4); and
        (2) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4).
    (d) AIP Annual Report.--Section 47131 of title 49, United States 
Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 
471 of such title, are repealed.
    (e) Transfer of Airport Land Use Compliance Report to NPIAS.--
Section 47103 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
        (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
    ``(d) Non-compliant Airports.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall include in the plan a 
    detailed statement listing airports the Secretary has reason to 
    believe are not in compliance with grant assurances or other 
    requirements with respect to airport lands and shall include--
            ``(A) the circumstances of noncompliance;
            ``(B) the timeline for corrective action with respect to 
        such noncompliance; and
            ``(C) any corrective action the Secretary intends to 
        require to bring the airport sponsor into compliance.
        ``(2) Listing.--The Secretary is not required to conduct an 
    audit or make a final determination before including an airport on 
    the list referred to in paragraph (1).''.
    (f) Notice to Airport Sponsors Regarding Purchase of American Made 
Equipment and Products.--Section 306 of the Federal Aviation 
Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (49 U.S.C. 50101 note) is 
amended--
        (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``(a)'' and all that follows 
    through ``It is the sense'' and inserting ``It is the sense''; and
        (2) by striking subsection (b).
    (g) Obsolete Aviation Security Requirements.--Sections 302, 307, 
309, and 310 of the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 
(Public Law 104-264), and the items relating to such sections in the 
table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
    (h) Regulation of Alaska Guide Pilots.--Section 732 of the Wendell 
H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (49 
U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended--
        (1) by striking subsection (b);
        (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
        (3) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
            (A) in the subsection heading by striking ``Definitions'' 
        and inserting ``Definition of Alaska Guide Pilot'';
            (B) by striking ``, the following definitions apply'' and 
        all that follows through ``The term `Alaska guide pilot''' and 
        inserting ``the term `Alaska guide pilot'''; and
            (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as 
        paragraphs (1) through (3) (and adjusting the margins 
        accordingly).
    (i) Next Generation Air Transportation Senior Policy Committee.--
Section 710 of the Vision 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act 
(49 U.S.C. 40101 note), and the item relating to such section in the 
table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
    (j) Improved Pilot Licenses and Pilot License Rulemaking.--
        (1) Intelligence reform and terrorism prevention act.--Section 
    4022 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 
    2004 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note), and the item relating to such section 
    in the table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
        (2) FAA modernization and reform act of 2012.--Section 321 of 
    the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44703 
    note), and the item relating to such section in the table of 
    contents in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
    (k) Technical Training and Staffing Study.--Section 605 of the FAA 
Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95) is amended--
        (1) by striking subsection (a);
        (2) in subsection (b)--
            (A) by striking ``(b) Workload of Systems Specialists.--''; 
        and
            (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
        subsections (a) through (c) (and adjust the margins and header 
        casing appropriately); and
        (3) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated) by striking 
    ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)''.
    (l) Ferry Flight Duty Period and Flight Time Rulemakings.--Section 
345 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 44701 
note), and the item relating to such section in the table of contents 
in section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
    (m) Laser Pointer Incident Reports.--Section 2104 of FAA Extension, 
Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 46301 note) is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``quarterly updates'' and 
    inserting ``annually an annual briefing''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(c) Report Sunset.--Subsection (a) shall cease to be effective 
after September 30, 2028.''.
    (n) Cold Weather Projects Briefing.--Section 156 of the FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47112 note) is amended--
        (1) by striking subsection (b); and
        (2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
    (o) Biannual GAO Audit.--Any provision of the FAA Modernization and 
Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95), including any amendment made by 
such Act, that requires the Comptroller General to conduct an audit 
(including a recurring audit) shall have no force or effect.
    SEC. 219. AUTHORITY TO USE ELECTRONIC SERVICE.
    Section 46103 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (b)--
            (A) in paragraph (1)--
                (i) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``or'' after the 
            semicolon;
                (ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the 
            end and inserting a semicolon; and
                (iii) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(D) by electronic or facsimile transmission to the person to 
    be served or the designated agent of the person; or
        ``(E) as designated by regulation or guidance published in the 
    Federal Register.''; and
            (B) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(3) The date of service made by an electronic or facsimile 
    method is--
            ``(A) the date an electronic or facsimile transmission is 
        sent; or
            ``(B) the date a notification is sent by an electronic or 
        facsimile method that a notice, process, or action is 
        immediately available and accessible in an electronic 
        database.''; and
        (2) in subsection (c) by striking the first sentence and 
    inserting ``Service on an agent designated under this section shall 
    be made at the office or usual place of residence of the agent or 
    at the electronic or facsimile address designated by the agent.''.
    SEC. 220. SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY THROUGH DIGITIZATION OF FAA 
      SYSTEMS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
        (1) identify, at the discretion of the Administrator, not less 
    than 3 processes of the FAA that result in a certification and 
    require paper-based information exchange between external entities 
    and the FAA or offices within the FAA (such as an aircraft 
    certification, aircraft registration, or airmen certification) or 
    authorization, an exemption, or a letter of authorization; and
        (2) initiate the digitization of such processes.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the digitization required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that the digitization of 
any process allows for--
        (1) an applicant to track the application of such applicant 
    throughout the period of submission and review of such application; 
    and
        (2) the status of the application to be available upon demand 
    to the applicant, as well as FAA employees responsible for 
    reviewing and making a decision on the application.
    (c) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date on 
which the Administrator initiates the digitization under subsection 
(a)(2), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
Congress on the progress of such digitization.
    (d) Definition of Digitization.--In this section, the term 
``digitization'' means the transition from a predominantly paper-based 
system to a system centered on the use of a data management system and 
the internet.
    SEC. 221. FAA TELEWORK.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator--
        (1) may establish telework policies for employees of the FAA 
    that allow for the Administrator to reduce the office footprint and 
    associated expenses of the FAA, if appropriate, increase workforce 
    retention, and provide flexibilities that the Administrator 
    demonstrates increases efficiency and effectiveness of the 
    Administration, while requiring that any such policy--
            (A) does not adversely impact the mission of the FAA;
            (B) does not reduce the safety or efficiency of the 
        national airspace system;
            (C) for any employee that is designated as an officer or 
        executive in the FAA Executive System or a political appointee 
        (as such term is defined in section 106 of title 49, United 
        States Code)--
                (i) maximizes time at a duty station for such employee, 
            excluding official travel; and
                (ii) may include telework provisions as determined 
            appropriate by the Administrator, commensurate with 
            official duties for such employee;
            (D) provides for on-the-job training opportunities for FAA 
        personnel that are not less than such opportunities available 
        in 2019;
            (E) reflects the appropriate work status of employees based 
        on the job functions of such employee;
            (F) optimizes the work status of inspectors, investigators, 
        and other personnel performing safety-related functions to 
        ensure timely completion of safety oversight activities;
            (G) provides for personnel, including such personnel 
        performing work related to aircraft certification and flight 
        standards, who are responsible for actively working with 
        regulated entities, external stakeholders, or other members of 
        the public to be--
                (i) routinely available on a predictable basis for in-
            person and virtual communications with external persons; 
            and
                (ii) not hindered from meeting with, visiting, 
            auditing, or inspecting facilities or projects of regulated 
            persons due to any telework policy; and
            (H) provides opportunities for in-person dialogue, 
        collaboration, and ideation for all employees;
        (2) ensures that locality pay for an employee of the FAA 
    accurately reflects the telework status and duty station of such 
    employee;
        (3) may not establish a telework policy for an employee of the 
    FAA unless such employee will be provided with secure network 
    capacity, communications tools, necessary and secure access to 
    appropriate agency data assets and Federal records, and equipment 
    sufficient to enable such employee to be fully productive; and
        (4) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this 
    Act, shall evaluate and address any telework policies in effect on 
    the day before such date of enactment to ensure that such policies 
    meet the requirements of paragraph (1).
    (b) Congressional Update.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and 1 year thereafter, the Administrator shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on any telework policies 
currently in place, the implementation of such policies, and the 
benefits of such policies.
    (c) Consultation.--If the Administrator determines that telework 
agreements need to be updated to implement the requirements of 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall, prior to updating such 
agreements, consult with--
        (1) exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic 
    controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States 
    Code; and
        (2) labor organizations certified under such section as the 
    exclusive bargaining representative of airway transportation 
    systems specialists and aviation safety inspectors and engineers of 
    the FAA.
    SEC. 222. REVIEW OF OFFICE SPACE.
    (a) FAA Review.--
        (1) Initiation of review.--Not later than 12 months after the 
    date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate an 
    inventory review of the domestic office footprint of the Department 
    of Transportation.
        (2) Completion of review.--Not later than 30 months after the 
    date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete the 
    inventory review required under paragraph (1).
    (b) Contents of Review.--In completing the review under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall--
        (1) delineate the domestic office footprint, as determined 
    appropriate by the Secretary;
        (2) determine space adequacy related to--
            (A) the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 
        et seq.) and the corresponding accessibility guidelines 
        established under part 1191 of title 36, Code of Federal 
        Regulations; and
            (B) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 
        12101 et seq.);
        (3) determine the feasible occupancy of such space, and provide 
    the methodology used to make the determination;
        (4) determine the number of individuals who are full-time 
    equivalent employees, other support personnel, or contractors that 
    have each such unit as a duty station and determine how telework 
    policies will impact the usage of such space;
        (5) calculate the amount of available, unused, or underutilized 
    space in each such space;
        (6) consider any lease terms for leased space contained in the 
    domestic office footprint, including cost and effective dates for 
    each such lease; and
        (7) based on the findings in paragraphs (2) through (6), and 
    any other metrics the Secretary determines relevant, provide 
    recommendations for optimizing the use of office space across the 
    Department in consultation with appropriate employee labor 
    representatives.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 4 months after completing the review 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a final report that proposes opportunities to 
optimize the domestic office footprint of the FAA (and associated 
costs). In compiling such final report, the Secretary shall describe 
opportunities for--
        (1) consolidation of offices within a reasonable distance, as 
    determined by the Senior Real Property Officer of the Department of 
    Transportation, from one another;
        (2) the collocation of regional or satellite offices of 
    separate modes of the Department, including the costs and benefits 
    of shared amenities; and
        (3) the use of coworking spaces instead of permanent offices.
    (d) Domestic Office Footprint Defined.--In this section, the term 
``domestic office footprint'' means buildings, offices, facilities, and 
other real property rented, owned, or occupied by the FAA or 
Department--
        (1) in which employees report for permanent or temporary duty 
    that are not FAA Airport Traffic Control Towers, Terminal Radar 
    Approach Control Facilities, Air Route Traffic Control Centers, and 
    Combined Control Facilities; and
        (2) which are located within the United States.
    SEC. 223. RESTORATION OF AUTHORITY.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 40118 the following:
``Sec. 40119. Sensitive security information
    ``(a) Disclosure.--
        ``(1) Regulations prohibiting disclosure.--Notwithstanding the 
    establishment of a Department of Homeland Security, the Secretary 
    of Transportation, in accordance with section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 
    5, shall prescribe regulations prohibiting disclosure of 
    information obtained or developed in ensuring security under this 
    title if the Secretary of Transportation decides disclosing the 
    information would--
            ``(A) be an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
            ``(B) reveal a trade secret or privileged or confidential 
        commercial or financial information; or
            ``(C) be detrimental to transportation safety.
        ``(2) Disclosure to congress.--Paragraph (1) shall not be 
    construed to authorize information to be withheld from a committee 
    of Congress authorized to have such information.
        ``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be 
    construed to authorize the designation of information as sensitive 
    security information (as such term is defined in section 15.5 of 
    title 49, Code of Federal Regulations) to--
            ``(A) conceal a violation of law, inefficiency, or 
        administrative error;
            ``(B) prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, or 
        agency;
            ``(C) restrain competition; or
            ``(D) prevent or delay the release of information that does 
        not require protection in the interest of transportation 
        security, including basic scientific research information not 
        clearly related to transportation security.
        ``(4) Law enforcement disclosure.--Section 552a of title 5 
    shall not apply to disclosures that the Administrator may make from 
    the systems of records of the Federal Aviation Administration to 
    any Federal law enforcement, intelligence, protective service, 
    immigration, or national security official in order to assist the 
    official receiving the information in the performance of official 
    duties.
    ``(b) Transfers of Duties and Powers Prohibited.--Except as 
otherwise provided by law, a duty or power under this section may not 
be transferred to another department, agency, or instrumentality of the 
Federal Government.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall be 
effective as of October 5, 2018, and all authority restored to the 
Secretary and the FAA under this section shall be treated as if such 
authority had never been repealed by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2018 (Public Law 115-254).
    (c) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating 
to section 40118 the following:
``40119. Sensitive security information.''.
    SEC. 224. FAA PARTICIPATION IN INDUSTRY STANDARDS ORGANIZATIONS.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall encourage the 
participation of employees of the FAA, as appropriate, in the 
activities of recognized industry standards organizations to advance 
the adoption, reference, and acceptance rate of standards and means of 
compliance developed by such organizations by the Administrator.
    (b) Participation.--An employee of the FAA directed by the 
Administrator to participate in a working group, task group, committee, 
or similar body of a recognized industry standards organization shall--
        (1) actively participate in the discussions and work of such 
    organization;
        (2) accurately represent the position of the Administrator on 
    the subject matter of such discussions and work;
        (3) contribute to the development of work products of such 
    organization, unless determined to be inappropriate by such 
    organization;
        (4) make reasonable efforts to identify and make any concerns 
    of the Administrator relating to such work products known to such 
    organization, including through providing formal comments, as may 
    be allowed for under the procedures of such organization;
        (5) provide regular updates to other FAA employees and 
    management on the progress of such work products; and
        (6) seek advice and input from other FAA employees and 
    management, as needed.
    (c) Recognized Industry Standards Organization Defined.--In this 
section, the term ``recognized industry standards organization'' means 
a domestic or international organization that--
        (1) uses agreed upon procedures to develop aviation-related 
    industry standards or means of compliance, including standards or 
    means of compliance that satisfy FAA requirements or guidance;
        (2) is comprised of members of the public, including subject 
    matter experts, industry representatives, academics and 
    researchers, and government employees; and
        (3) has had at least 1 standard or means of compliance accepted 
    by the Administrator or referenced in guidance material or a 
    regulation issued by the FAA after the date of enactment of the 
    Vision 100--Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act (Public Law 
    108-176).
    SEC. 225. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON USE OF VOLUNTARY CONSENSUS 
      STANDARDS.
    It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should make 
every effort to abide by the policies set forth in the circular of the 
Office of Management and Budget, titled ``Federal Participation in the 
Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and Conformity 
Assessment Activities'' (A-119).
    SEC. 226. REQUIRED DESIGNATION.
    The Administrator shall designate any aviation rulemaking committee 
convened under this Act pursuant to section 106(p)(5) of title 49, 
United States Code.
    SEC. 227. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES FRANCHISE FUND.
    Title I of the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1997 (49 U.S.C. 40113 note) is amended under the 
heading ``Administrative Services Franchise Fund'' by striking ``shall 
be paid in advance'' and inserting ``may be reimbursed after 
performance or paid in advance''.
    SEC. 228. COMMERCIAL PREFERENCE.
    Section 40110(d) of title 49, United States Code, is further 
amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and implement'' and 
    inserting ``, implement, and periodically update'';
        (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``the new acquisition 
    management system developed and implemented'' and inserting ``the 
    acquisition management system developed, implemented, and 
    periodically updated'' each place it appears;
        (3) in paragraph (3)--
            (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
                (i) by striking ``new''; and
                (ii) by striking ``and implemented'' and inserting ``, 
            implemented, and periodically updated''; and
            (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``Within'' and all that 
        follows through ``the Administrator'' and inserting ``The 
        Administrator'';
        (4) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
        (5) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
        ``(4) Commercial products and services.--In implementing and 
    updating the acquisition management system pursuant to paragraph 
    (1), the Administrator shall, whenever possible--
            ``(A) describe the requirements with respect to a 
        solicitation for the procurement of supplies or services in 
        terms of--
                ``(i) functions to be performed;
                ``(ii) performance required; or
                ``(iii) essential physical and system characteristics;
            ``(B) ensure that commercial services or commercial 
        products may be procured to fulfill such solicitation, or to 
        the extent that commercial products suitable to meet the needs 
        of the Administration are not available, ensure that 
        nondevelopmental items other than commercial products may be 
        procured to fulfill such solicitation;
            ``(C) provide offerors of commercial services, commercial 
        products, and nondevelopmental items other than commercial 
        products an opportunity to compete in any solicitation for the 
        procurement of supplies or services;
            ``(D) revise the procurement policies, practices, and 
        procedures of the Administration to reduce any impediments to 
        the acquisition of commercial products and commercial services;
            ``(E) ensure that any procurement of new equipment takes 
        into account the life cycle, reliability, performance, service 
        support, and costs to guarantee the acquisition of equipment 
        that is of high quality and reliability resulting in greater 
        performance and cost-related benefits; and
            ``(F) ensure that procurement officials--
                ``(i) acquire commercial services, commercial products, 
            or nondevelopmental items other than commercial products to 
            meet the needs of the Administration;
                ``(ii) in a solicitation for the procurement of 
            supplies or services, state the specifications for such 
            supplies or services in terms that enable and encourage 
            bidders and offerors to supply commercial services or 
            commercial products, or to the extent that commercial 
            products suitable to meet the needs of the Administration 
            are not available, to supply nondevelopmental items other 
            than commercial products;
                ``(iii) require that prime contractors and 
            subcontractors at all levels under contracts with the 
            Administration incorporate commercial services, commercial 
            products, or nondevelopmental items other than commercial 
            products as components of items supplied to the 
            Administration;
                ``(iv) modify procurement requirements in appropriate 
            circumstances to ensure that such requirements can be met 
            by commercial services or commercial products, or to the 
            extent that commercial products suitable to meet the needs 
            of the Administration are not available, nondevelopmental 
            items other than commercial products; and
                ``(v) require training of appropriate personnel in the 
            acquisition of commercial products and commercial 
            services.''.
    SEC. 229. ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION STEERING 
      COMMITTEE.
    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an Advanced 
Aviation Technology and Innovation Steering Committee (in this section 
referred to as the ``Steering Committee'') to assist the FAA in 
planning for and integrating advanced aviation technologies.
    (b) Purpose.--The Steering Committee shall--
        (1) create and regularly update a comprehensive strategy and 
    action plan for integrating advanced aviation technologies into the 
    national airspace system and aviation ecosystem; and
        (2) provide direction and resolution for complex issues related 
    to advanced aviation technologies that span multiple offices or 
    lines of business of the FAA, as needed.
    (c) Chair.--The Deputy Administrator of the FAA shall serve as the 
Chair of the Steering Committee.
    (d) Composition.--In addition to the Chair, the Steering Committee 
shall consist of the Assistant or Associate Administrator, or the 
designee of such Administrator, of each of the following FAA offices:
        (1) Office of Aviation Safety.
        (2) Air Traffic Organization.
        (3) Office of Airports.
        (4) Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
        (5) Office of Finance and Management.
        (6) Office of the Chief Counsel.
        (7) Office of Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement.
        (8) Office of Policy, International Affairs, and Environment.
        (9) Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety.
        (10) Any other Office the Administrator determines necessary.
    SEC. 230. REVIEW AND UPDATES OF CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.
    (a) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary shall identify each categorical exclusion under 
the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, including any 
operating administration within the Department.
    (b) New Categorical Exclusions for Airport Projects.--Not later 
than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall--
        (1) review the categorical exclusions applied by other 
    operating administrations identified in subsection (a); and
        (2) take such action as may be necessary to adopt, as relevant 
    and appropriate, new categorical exclusions that meet the 
    requirements of section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, from among categorical exclusions reviewed by the 
    Secretary in paragraph (1) for use by the FAA.
    SEC. 231. IMPLEMENTATION OF ANTI-TERRORIST AND NARCOTIC AIR EVENTS 
      PROGRAMS.
    (a) Implementation.--
        (1) Priority recommendations.--Not later than 180 days after 
    the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall--
            (A) implement recommendations 6, 13, 14, and 15 as set 
        forth in the Government Accountability Office report entitled 
        ``Aviation: FAA Needs to Better Prevent, Detect, and Respond to 
        Fraud and Abuse Risks in Aircraft Registration,'' (dated March 
        25, 2020); and
            (B) to the extent that rulemaking is necessary to implement 
        such recommendations, issue a notice of proposed rulemaking 
        pursuant to the rulemaking authority of the FAA.
        (2) Remaining recommendations.--The Administrator shall 
    implement recommendations 1 through 5 and 8 through 12 as set forth 
    in the Government Accountability Office report described in 
    paragraph (1) and, to the extent that rulemaking is necessary to 
    implement such recommendations, issue a notice of proposed 
    rulemaking pursuant to the rulemaking authority of the FAA, on the 
    earlier of--
            (A) the date that is 90 days after the date on which the 
        FAA implements the Civil Aviation Registry Electronic Services 
        system; or
            (B) January 1, 2026.
    (b) Reports.--
        (1) Priority recommendations.--Not later than 60 days after the 
    date on which the Administrator implements the recommendations 
    under subsection (a)(1), the Administrator shall submit to the 
    Committees on the Judiciary and Commerce, Science, and 
    Transportation of the Senate, the Committees on the Judiciary and 
    Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Caucus 
    on International Narcotics Control of the Senate a report on such 
    implementation, including a description of any steps taken by the 
    Administrator to complete such implementation.
        (2) Remaining recommendations.--Not later than 60 days after 
    the date on which the Administrator implements the recommendations 
    under subsection (a)(2), the Administrator shall submit to the 
    Committees on the Judiciary and Commerce, Science, and 
    Transportation of the Senate, the Committees on the Judiciary and 
    Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Caucus 
    on International Narcotics Control of the Senate a report on such 
    implementation, including a description of any steps taken by the 
    Administrator to complete such implementation.

                TITLE III--AVIATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

    SEC. 301. HELICOPTER AIR AMBULANCE OPERATIONS.
    (a) Outdated Air Ambulance Rulemaking Requirement.--Section 44730 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ``not later than 180 days 
    after the date of enactment of this section,'';
        (2) in subsection (c) by striking ``address the following'' and 
    inserting ``consider, or address through other means, the 
    following'';
        (3) in subsection (d) by striking ``provide for the following'' 
    and inserting ``consider, or address through other means, the 
    following''; and
        (4) in subsection (e)--
            (A) in the heading by striking ``Subsequent Rulemaking'' 
        and inserting ``Subsequent Actions'';
            (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``shall conduct a follow-
        on rulemaking to address the following:'' and inserting ``shall 
        address through a follow-on rulemaking, or through such other 
        means that the Administrator considers appropriate, the 
        following:'';
            (C) by striking paragraph (2); and
            (D) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
    (b) Safety Management Systems Briefing.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief 
the appropriate committees of Congress on how the final rule titled 
``Safety Management System'', published on April 26, 2024, (89 Fed. 
Reg. 33068), will--
        (1) improve helicopter air ambulance operations and piloting; 
    and
        (2) consider the use of safety equipment by flight crew and 
    medical personnel on a helicopter conducting an air ambulance 
    operation.
    (c) Improvement of Publication of Helicopter Air Ambulance 
Operations Data.--Section 44731 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) by striking subsection (d);
        (2) in subsection (e)--
            (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end; and
            (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
        ``(2) make publicly available, in part or in whole, on a 
    website of the Federal Aviation Administration, the database 
    developed pursuant to subsection (c); and
        ``(3) analyze the data submitted under subsection (a) 
    periodically and use such data to inform efforts to improve the 
    safety of helicopter air ambulance operations.''; and
        (3) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (d) 
    and (e), respectively.
    SEC. 302. GLOBAL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS.
    (a) FAA Oversight of Repair Stations Located Outside the United 
States.--
        (1) In general.--Section 44733 of title 49, United States Code, 
    is amended--
            (A) in the heading by striking ``Inspection'' and inserting 
        ``Oversight'';
            (B) in subsection (a) by striking ``Not later than 1 year 
        after the date of enactment of this section, the'' and 
        inserting ``The'';
            (C) in subsection (e)--
                (i) by inserting ``, without prior notice to such 
            repair stations,'' after ``annually'';
                (ii) by inserting ``and the applicable laws of the 
            country in which the repair station is located'' after 
            ``international agreements''; and
                (iii) by striking the last sentence and inserting ``The 
            Administrator may carry out announced or unannounced 
            inspections in addition to the annual unannounced 
            inspection required under this subsection based on 
            identified risks and in a manner consistent with United 
            States obligations under international agreements and the 
            applicable laws of the country in which the part 145 repair 
            station is located.'';
            (D) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (j); and
            (E) by inserting after subsection (f) the following:
    ``(g) Data Analysis.--
        ``(1) In general.--Each fiscal year in which a part 121 air 
    carrier has had heavy maintenance work performed on an aircraft 
    owned or operated by such carrier, such carrier shall provide to 
    the Administrator, not later than the end of the following fiscal 
    year, a report containing the information described in paragraph 
    (2).
        ``(2) Information required.--A report under paragraph (1) shall 
    contain the following:
            ``(A) The location where any heavy maintenance work on 
        aircraft was performed outside the United States.
            ``(B) A description of the work performed at each such 
        location.
            ``(C) The date of completion of the work performed at each 
        such location.
            ``(D) A list of all failures, malfunctions, or defects 
        affecting the safe operation of such aircraft identified by the 
        air carrier not later than 30 days after the date on which an 
        aircraft is returned to service, organized by reference to 
        aircraft registration number, that--
                ``(i) requires corrective action after the aircraft is 
            approved for return to service; and
                ``(ii) results from such work performed on such 
            aircraft.
            ``(E) The certificate number of the person approving such 
        aircraft or on-wing aircraft engine for return to service 
        following completion of the work performed at each such 
        location.
        ``(3) Analysis.--The Administrator shall--
            ``(A) analyze information provided under this subsection 
        and sections 121.703, 121.705, 121.707, and 145.221 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor provisions of 
        such title, to detect safety issues associated with heavy 
        maintenance work on aircraft performed outside the United 
        States; and
            ``(B) require appropriate actions by an air carrier or 
        repair station in response to any safety issue identified by 
        the analysis conducted under subparagraph (A).
        ``(4) Confidentiality.--Information provided under this 
    subsection shall be subject to the same protections given to 
    voluntarily provided safety or security related information under 
    section 40123.
    ``(h) Applications and Prohibition.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may not approve any new 
    application under part 145 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, from a person located or headquartered in a country 
    that the Administration, through the International Aviation Safety 
    Assessment program, has classified as Category 2.
        ``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an 
    application for the renewal of a certificate issued under part 145 
    of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        ``(3) Maintenance implementation procedures agreement.--The 
    Administrator may elect not to enter into a new maintenance 
    implementation procedures agreement with a country classified as 
    Category 2, for as long as the country remains classified as 
    Category 2.
        ``(4) Prohibition on continued heavy maintenance work.--No part 
    121 air carrier may enter into a new contract for heavy maintenance 
    work with a person located or headquartered in a country that the 
    Administrator, through the International Aviation Safety Assessment 
    program, has classified as Category 2, for as long as such country 
    remains classified as Category 2.
    ``(i) Minimum Qualifications for Mechanics and Others Working on 
U.S. Registered Aircraft.--
        ``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
    enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall require that, 
    at each covered repair station--
            ``(A) all supervisory personnel of such station are 
        appropriately certificated as a mechanic or repairman under 
        part 65 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or under an 
        equivalent certification or licensing regime, as determined by 
        the Administrator; and
            ``(B) all personnel of such station authorized to approve 
        an article for return to service are appropriately certificated 
        as a mechanic or repairman under part 65 of such title, or 
        under an equivalent certification or licensing regime, as 
        determined by the Administrator.
        ``(2) Available for consultation.--Not later than 18 months 
    after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator 
    shall require any individual who is responsible for approving an 
    article for return to service or who is directly in charge of heavy 
    maintenance work performed on aircraft operated by a part 121 air 
    carrier be available for consultation while work is being performed 
    at a covered repair station.''.
        (2) Definitions.--
            (A) In general.--Section 44733(j) of title 49, United 
        States Code (as redesignated by this section), is amended--
                (i) in paragraph (1) by striking ``aircraft'' and 
            inserting ``aircraft (including on-wing aircraft 
            engines)'';
                (ii) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as 
            paragraphs (2) through (4), respectively; and
                (iii) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so 
            redesignated, the following:
        ``(1) Covered repair station.--The term `covered repair 
    station' means a facility that--
            ``(A) is located outside the United States;
            ``(B) is a part 145 repair station; and
            ``(C) performs heavy maintenance work on aircraft operated 
        by a part 121 air carrier.''.
            (B) Technical amendment.--Section 44733(a)(3) of title 49, 
        United States Code, is amended by striking ``covered part 145 
        repair stations'' and inserting ``part 145 repair stations''.
        (3) Conforming amendments.--The analysis for chapter 447 of 
    title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item 
    relating to section 44733 and inserting the following:
``44733. Oversight of repair stations located outside the United 
          States.''.

    (b) Alcohol and Drug Testing and Background Checks.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule 
    carrying out the requirements of section 2112(b) of the FAA 
    Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44733 note).
        (2) Rulemaking on assessment requirement.--With respect to any 
    employee not covered under the requirements of section 1554.101 of 
    title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, the Administrator shall 
    initiate a rulemaking (or request that the head of another Federal 
    agency initiate a rulemaking) that requires a covered repair 
    station to confirm that any such employee has successfully 
    completed an assessment commensurate with a security threat 
    assessment described in subpart C of part 1540 of such title.
        (3) Definition of covered repair station.--For purposes of this 
    subsection, the term ``covered repair station'' means a facility 
    that--
            (A) is located outside the United States;
            (B) is certificated under part 145 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations; and
            (C) performs heavy maintenance work on aircraft (including 
        on-wing aircraft engines), operated under part 121 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 303. ODA BEST PRACTICE SHARING.
    Section 44736(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``Not later than 120 days 
    after the date of enactment of this section, the'' and insert 
    ``The''; and
        (2) in paragraph (3)--
            (A) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (B) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(G) convene a forum not less than every 2 years between 
        ODA holders, unit members, and other organizational 
        representatives and relevant experts, in order to--
                ``(i) share best practices;
                ``(ii) instill professionalism, ethics, and personal 
            responsibilities in unit members; and
                ``(iii) foster open and transparent communication 
            between Administration safety specialists, ODA holders, and 
            unit members.''.
    SEC. 304. TRAINING OF ORGANIZATION DELEGATION AUTHORIZATION UNIT 
      MEMBERS.
    (a) Unit Member Annual Ethics Training.--Section 44736 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
    ``(g) Ethics Training Requirement for ODA Holders.--
        ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal 
    Aviation Administration shall review and ensure each ODA holder 
    authorized by the Administrator under section 44702(d) has in 
    effect a recurrent training program for all ODA unit members that 
    covers--
            ``(A) unit member professional obligations and 
        responsibilities;
            ``(B) the ODA holder's code of ethics as required to be 
        established under section 102(f) of the Aircraft Certification, 
        Safety, and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 44701 note);
            ``(C) procedures for reporting safety concerns, as 
        described in the respective approved procedures manual for the 
        delegation;
            ``(D) the prohibition against and reporting procedures for 
        interference from a supervisor or other ODA member described in 
        section 44742; and
            ``(E) any additional information the Administrator 
        considers relevant to maintaining ethical and professional 
        standards across all ODA holders and unit members.
        ``(2) FAA review.--
            ``(A) Review of training program.--The Organization 
        Designation Authorization Office of the Administration 
        established under subsection (b) shall review each ODA holders' 
        recurrent training program to ensure such program includes--
                ``(i) all elements described in paragraph (1); and
                ``(ii) training to instill professionalism and clear 
            understanding among ODA unit members about the purpose of 
            and procedures associated with safety management systems, 
            including the provisions of the third edition of the Safety 
            Management Manual issued by the International Civil 
            Aviation Organization (Doc 9859) (or any successor 
            edition).
            ``(B) Changes to program.--Such Office may require changes 
        to the training program considered necessary to maintain 
        ethical and professional standards across all ODA holders and 
        unit members.
        ``(3) Training.--As part of the recurrent training program 
    required under paragraph (1), not later than 60 business days after 
    being designated as an ODA unit member, and annually thereafter, 
    each ODA unit member shall complete the ethics training required by 
    the ODA holder of the respective ODA unit member in order to 
    exercise the functions delegated under the ODA.
        ``(4) Accountability.--The Administrator shall establish such 
    processes or requirements as are necessary to ensure compliance 
    with paragraph (3).''.
    (b) Deadline.--An ODA unit member authorized to perform delegated 
functions under an ODA prior to the date of completion of an ethics 
training required under section 44736(g) of title 49, United States 
Code, shall complete such training not later than 60 days after the 
training program is approved by the Administrator pursuant to such 
section.
    SEC. 305. CLARIFICATION ON SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INFORMATION 
      DISCLOSURE.
    Section 44735 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)--
            (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``; or'' and inserting a 
        semicolon;
            (B) in paragraph (2) by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; or''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(3) if the report, data, or other information is submitted 
    for any purpose relating to the development and implementation of a 
    safety management system, including a system required by 
    regulation.''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Other Agencies.--
        ``(1) In general.--The limitation established under subsection 
    (a) shall apply to the head of any other Federal agency who 
    receives reports, data, or other information described in such 
    subsection from the Administrator.
        ``(2) Rule of construction.--This section shall not be 
    construed to limit the accident or incident investigation authority 
    of the National Transportation Safety Board under chapter 11, 
    including the requirement to not disclose voluntarily provided 
    safety-related information under section 1114.''.
    SEC. 306. REAUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE AIRCRAFT 
      CERTIFICATION, SAFETY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT.
    (a) Oversight of Organization Designation Authorization Unit 
Members.--Section 44741 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (f)(2)--
            (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
        ``Not later than 90 days'' and all that follows through ``the 
        Administrator shall provide a briefing'' and inserting ``The 
        Administrator shall provide biannual briefings each fiscal year 
        through September 30, 2028''; and
            (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``90-day period'' and 
        inserting ``6-month period''; and
        (2) in subsection (j) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
    ``2028''.
    (b) Integrated Project Teams.--Section 108(f) of division V of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44704 note) is amended 
by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2028''.
    (c) Appeals of Certification Decisions.--Section 44704(g)(1)(C)(ii) 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``calendar year 
2025'' and inserting ``calendar year 2028''.
    (d) Professional Development, Skills Enhancement, Continuing 
Education and Training.--Section 44519(c) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.
    (e) Voluntary Safety Reporting Program.--Section 113(f) of division 
V of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) 
is amended by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 
2028''.
    (f) Changed Product Rule.--Section 117(b)(1) of division V of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 44704 note) is amended 
by striking ``fiscal year 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2028''.
    (g) Domestic and International Pilot Training.--Section 119(f)(3) 
of division V of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 is amended 
by striking ``2023'' and inserting ``2028''.
    (h) Samya Rose Stumo National Air Grant Fellowship Program.--
Section 131(d) of division V of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2021 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended by striking ``2025'' and 
inserting ``2028''.
    SEC. 307. CONTINUED OVERSIGHT OF FAA COMPLIANCE PROGRAM.
    Section 122 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and 
Accountability Act (Public Law 116-260) is amended--
        (1) in subsection (b) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting 
    the following:
        ``(2) conduct an annual agency-wide evaluation of the 
    Compliance Program through fiscal year 2028 to assess the 
    functioning and effectiveness of such program and to assess--
            ``(A) the need for long-term metrics that, to the maximum 
        extent practicable, apply to all program offices, and use such 
        metrics to assess the effectiveness of the program;
            ``(B) if the program ensures the highest level of 
        compliance with safety standards;
            ``(C) if the program has met its stated safety goals and 
        purpose; and
            ``(D) FAA employee confidence in the program.'';
        (2) in subsection (c)(4) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
    ``2028''; and
        (3) in subsection (d) by striking ``2023'' and inserting 
    ``2028''.
    SEC. 308. SCALABILITY OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.
    In conducting any rulemaking to require, or implementing a 
regulation requiring, a safety management system, the Administrator 
shall consider the scalability of such safety management system 
requirements, to the full range of entities in terms of size or 
complexity that may be affected by such rulemaking or regulation, 
including--
        (1) how an entity can demonstrate compliance using various 
    documentation, tools, and methods, including, as appropriate, 
    systems with multiple small operators collectively monitoring for 
    and addressing risks;
        (2) a review of traditional safety management techniques and 
    the suitability of such techniques for small entities;
        (3) the applicability of existing safety management system 
    programs implemented by an entity;
        (4) the suitability of existing requirements under part 5 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for small entities; and
        (5) other unique challenges relating to small entities the 
    Administrator determines appropriate to consider.
    SEC. 309. REVIEW OF SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RULEMAKING.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall review the final rule of the FAA 
titled ``Safety Management Systems'' and issued on April 26, 2024 (89 
Fed. Reg. 33068).
    (b) Applicability.--In reviewing the final rule under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall ensure that the safety management system 
requirement under such final rule described in subsection (a) is 
applied to all certificate holders operating under the rules for 
commuter and on-demand operations under part 135 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations, commercial air tour operators operating under 
section 91.147 of such title, production certificate holders that are 
holders or licensees of a type certificate for the same product, and 
holders of a type certificate who license out such certificate for 
production under part 21 of such title.
    (c) Determination.--If the Administrator determines the final rule 
does not apply the safety management system requirement in the manner 
described in subsection (b), the Administrator shall issue such 
regulation, guidance, or policy as may be necessary to ensure such 
safety management system requirement is applied in such manner.
    SEC. 310. INDEPENDENT STUDY ON FUTURE STATE OF TYPE CERTIFICATION 
      PROCESSES.
    (a) Review and Study.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an 
agreement with an appropriate federally funded research and development 
center, or other independent nonprofit organization that recommends 
solutions to aviation policy challenges through objective analysis, to 
conduct a review and study in accordance with the requirements and 
elements in this section.
    (b) Elements.--The entity carrying out the review and study 
pursuant to subsection (a) shall provide analyses, assessments, and 
recommendations that address the following elements:
        (1) A vision for a future state of type certification that 
    reflects the highly complex, highly integrated nature of modern 
    aircraft and improvements in aviation safety.
        (2) An assessment of digital tools, techniques, and software 
    systems that allow for efficient and virtual evaluation of an 
    applicant design, associated documentation, and software or systems 
    engineering products, including in digital 3-dimensional formats or 
    using model-based systems engineering design techniques.
        (3) How the FAA could develop a risk-based model for type 
    certification that improves the safety of aircraft.
        (4) What changes are needed to ensure that corrective actions 
    for continued operational safety issues, including software 
    modifications, can be approved and implemented in a timely manner 
    while maintaining the integrity of the type certification process.
        (5) What efficiencies and safety process improvements are 
    needed in the type certification processes of the FAA to facilitate 
    the assessment and integration of innovative technologies and 
    advance aviation safety, such as conducting product 
    familiarization, developing certification requirements, and 
    demonstrating flight test safety readiness.
        (6) Best practices and tools used by other certification 
    authorities outside of the United States that could be adopted by 
    the FAA, as well as the best practices and tools used by the FAA 
    which can be shared with certification authorities outside of the 
    United States.
    (c) Parties to Review.--In conducting the review and study pursuant 
to subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that the entity 
entering into an agreement under this section shall, throughout the 
review and study, consult with--
        (1) the aircraft certification and flight standards offices or 
    services of the Administration; and
        (2) at least 3 industry members representing aircraft and 
    aircraft part manufacturing interests.
    (d) Considerations.--In conducting the review and study pursuant to 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure the entity considers the 
availability, cost, interoperability, scalability, adaptability, 
cybersecurity, ease of adoption, and potential safety benefits of the 
elements described in subsection (b), including any digital tools, 
techniques, and software systems recommended to address such elements.
    (e) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the entity conducting the review and study pursuant to 
subsection (a) shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the review and study 
that includes--
        (1) the findings and recommendations of the entity; and
        (2) an assessment of whether digital tools, techniques, and 
    software systems could improve the coordination, oversight, or 
    safety of the certification and validation activities of the FAA.
    (f) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 270 days after the 
report required under subsection (e) is received by the Administrator, 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress 
on--
        (1) any actions the FAA proposes to take as a result of such 
    findings and recommendations; and
        (2) the rationale of the FAA for not taking action on any 
    specific recommendation, as applicable.
    SEC. 311. USE OF ADVANCED TOOLS AND HIGH-RISK FLIGHT TESTING IN 
      CERTIFYING AEROSPACE PRODUCTS.
    (a) Assessment.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall complete an assessment 
of the use of advanced tools during the testing, analysis, and 
verification stages of aerospace certification projects to reduce the 
risks associated with high-risk flight profiles and performing limit 
testing.
    (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the assessment under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider--
        (1) instances in which high-risk flight profiles and limit 
    testing have occurred in the certification process and the 
    applicability of the data produced by such testing for use in other 
    aspects of flight testing;
        (2) the safety of pilots during such testing;
        (3) the value and accuracy of data collected using the advanced 
    tools described in subsection (a);
        (4) the ability to produce more extensive data sets using such 
    advanced tools;
        (5) any aspects of such testing for which the use of such 
    advanced tools would not be valuable or applicable;
        (6) the cost of using such advanced tools; and
        (7) the best practices of other international civil aviation 
    authorities that permit the use of advanced tools during aerospace 
    certification projects.
    (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the assessment under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall consult with--
        (1) aircraft manufacturers, including manufacturers that have 
    designed and certified aircraft under--
            (A) part 23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
            (B) part 25 of such title; or
            (C) part 27 of such title;
        (2) aircraft manufacturers that have designed and certified, or 
    are in the process of certifying, aircraft with a novel design 
    under part 21.17(b) of such title;
        (3) associations representing aircraft manufacturers;
        (4) researchers and academics in related fields; and
        (5) pilots who are experts in flight testing.
    (d) Congressional Report.--Not later than 60 days after the 
completion of the assessment under subsection (a), the Administrator 
shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of 
the assessment conducted under subsection (a).
    (e) Required Updates.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall take necessary 
    actions based on the results of the assessment under subsection 
    (a), including, as appropriate--
            (A) amending part 21 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations; and
            (B) modifying any associated advisory circulars, guidance, 
        or policy of the FAA.
        (2) Requirements.--In taking actions under paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall consider--
            (A) developing validation criteria and procedures whereby 
        data produced in high-fidelity engineering laboratories and 
        facilities may be allowed (in conjunction with, or in lieu of) 
        data produced on a flying test article to support an 
        applicant's showing of compliance required under section 
        21.35(a)(1) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
            (B) developing criteria and procedures whereby an 
        Organization Designation Authorization (as defined in section 
        44736(c)(5) of title 49, United States Code) may recommend that 
        certain data produced during an applicant's flight test program 
        may be accepted by the FAA as final compliance data in 
        accordance with section 21.35(b) of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, at the sole discretion of the FAA; and
            (C) working with other international civil aviation 
        authorities representing States of Design to--
                (i) identify their best practices relative to high 
            risk-flight testing; and
                (ii) adopt such practices into the flight-testing 
            requirements of the FAA to the maximum extent practicable.
    SEC. 312. TRANSPORT AIRPLANE AND PROPULSION CERTIFICATION 
      MODERNIZATION.
    Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall publish a notice of proposed rulemaking for the 
item titled ``Transport Airplane and Propulsion Certification 
Modernization'', published in Fall 2022 in the Unified Agenda of 
Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120-AL42).
    SEC. 313. FIRE PROTECTION STANDARDS.
    (a) Internal Regulatory Review Team.--
        (1) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an 
    internal regulatory review team (in this section referred to as the 
    ``Team'').
        (2) Review.--
            (A) In general.--The Team shall conduct a review comparing 
        foreign and domestic airworthiness standards and guidance for 
        aircraft engine firewalls.
            (B) Requirements.--In conducting the review, the Team 
        shall--
                (i) identify any significant differences in standards 
            or guidance with respect to test article selection and fire 
            test boundaries and evaluation criteria for burn tests, 
            including the use of certification by analysis for cases in 
            which substantially similar designs have passed burn tests;
                (ii) assess the safety implications for any products 
            imported into the United States that do not comply with the 
            firewall requirements of the FAA; and
                (iii) consult with industry stakeholders to the maximum 
            extent practicable.
    (b) Duties of the Administrator.--The Administrator shall--
        (1) not later than 60 days after the date on which the Team 
    reports the findings of the review to the Administrator, update the 
    Significant Standards List of the FAA based on such findings, as 
    appropriate; and
        (2) not later than 90 days after such date, submit to the 
    appropriate committees of Congress a report on such findings and 
    any recommendations for such legislative or administrative action 
    as the Administrator determines appropriate.
    SEC. 314. RISK MODEL FOR PRODUCTION FACILITY INSPECTIONS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter, the Administrator 
shall--
        (1) conduct a review of the risk-based model used by 
    certification management offices of the FAA to inform the frequency 
    of aircraft manufacturing or production facility inspections; and
        (2) update the model to ensure such model adequately accounts 
    for risk at facilities during periods of increased production.
    (b) Briefings.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which the 
review is completed under subsection (a), the Administrator shall brief 
the appropriate committees of Congress on--
        (1) the results of the review;
        (2) any changes made to the risk-based model described in 
    subsection (a); and
        (3) how such changes would help improve the in-plant inspection 
    process.
    SEC. 315. REVIEW OF FAA USE OF AVIATION SAFETY DATA.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an appropriate 
arrangement with a qualified third-party organization or consortium to 
evaluate the collection, collation, analysis, and use of aviation data 
across the FAA.
    (b) Consultation.--In completing the evaluation under subsection 
(a), the qualified third-party organization or consortium shall--
        (1) seek the input of experts in data analytics, including at 
    least 1 expert in the commercial data services or analytics 
    solutions sector;
        (2) consult with the National Transportation Safety Board and 
    the Transportation Research Board; and
        (3) consult with appropriate federally funded research and 
    development centers, to the extent that such centers are not 
    already involved in the evaluation.
    (c) Substance of Evaluation.--In completing the evaluation under 
subsection (a), the qualified third-party organization or consortium 
shall--
        (1) compile a list of internal and external sources, databases, 
    and streams of information the FAA receives or has access to that 
    provide the FAA with operational or safety information and data 
    about the national airspace system, its users, and other regulated 
    entities of the FAA;
        (2) review data sets to determine completeness and accuracy of 
    relevant information;
        (3) identify gaps in information that the FAA could fill 
    through sharing agreements, partnerships, or other means that would 
    add value during safety trend analysis;
        (4) assess the capabilities of the FAA, including analysis 
    systems and workforce skillsets, to analyze relevant data and 
    information to make informed decisions;
        (5) review data and information for proper storage, 
    identification controls, and data privacy--
            (A) as required by law; and
            (B) consistent with best practices for data collection, 
        storage, and use;
        (6) review the format of such data and identify methods to 
    improve the usefulness of such data;
        (7) assess internal and external access to data for--
            (A) appropriateness based on data type and level of detail;
            (B) proper data access protocols and precautions; and
            (C) maximizing availability of safety-related data that 
        could support the improvement of safety management systems of 
        and trend identification by regulated entities and the FAA;
        (8) examine the collation and dissemination of data within 
    offices and between offices of the FAA;
        (9) review and recommend improvements to the data analysis 
    techniques of the FAA; and
        (10) recommend investments the Administrator should consider to 
    better collect, manage, and analyze data sets, including within and 
    between offices of the FAA.
    (d) Access to Information.--The Administrator shall provide the 
qualified third-party organization or consortium and the experts 
described in subsection (b) with adequate access to safety and 
operational data collected by and held by the agency across all offices 
of the FAA, except if specific access is otherwise prohibited by law.
    (e) Nondisclosure.--Prior to participating in the review, the 
Administrator shall ensure that each person participating in the 
evaluation under this section enters into an agreement with the 
Administrator in which the person shall be prohibited from disclosing 
at any time, except as required by law, to any person, foreign or 
domestic, any non-public information made accessible to the federally 
funded research and development center under this section.
    (f) Report.--The qualified third-party organization or consortium 
carrying out the evaluation under this section shall provide a report 
of the findings of the center to the Administrator and include 
recommendations to improve the FAA's collection, collation, analysis, 
and use of aviation data, including recommendations to--
        (1) improve data access across offices within the FAA, as 
    necessary, to support efficient execution of safety analysis and 
    programs across such offices;
        (2) improve data storage best practices;
        (3) develop or refine methods for collating data from multiple 
    FAA and industry sources; and
        (4) procure or use available analytics tools to draw 
    conclusions and identify previously unrecognized trends or 
    miscategorized risks in the aviation system, particularly when 
    identification of such information requires the analysis of 
    multiple sets of data from multiple sources.
    (g) Implementation of Recommendations.--Not later than 6 months 
after the receipt of the report under subsection (f), the Administrator 
shall review, develop an implementation plan, and, if appropriate, 
begin the implementation of the recommendations received in such 
report.
    (h) Review of Implementation.--The qualified third-party 
organization or consortium that conducted the initial evaluation, and 
any experts who contributed to such evaluation pursuant to subsection 
(b)(1), shall provide regular feedback and advice to the Administrator 
on the implementation plan developed under subsection (g) and any 
implementation activities for at least 2 years beginning on the date of 
the receipt of the report under subsection (f).
    (i) Report to Congress.--The Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress the report described in subsection 
(f) and the implementation plan described in subsection (g).
    (j) Existing Reporting Systems.--Consistent with section 132 of the 
Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (Public Law 116-
260), the Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board, in 
consultation with the Secretary and the Administrator, may further 
harmonize data and sources following the implementation of 
recommendations under subsection (g).
    (k) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to permit the public disclosure of information submitted 
under a voluntary safety reporting program or that is otherwise 
protected under section 44735 of title 49, United States Code.
    SEC. 316. WEATHER REPORTING SYSTEMS STUDY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study to examine 
how to improve the procurement, functionality, and sustainability of 
weather reporting systems, including--
        (1) automated weather observing systems;
        (2) automated surface observing systems;
        (3) visual weather observing systems; and
        (4) non-Federal weather reporting systems.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under section (a), 
the Comptroller General shall address--
        (1) the current state of the supply chain related to weather 
    reporting systems and the components of such systems;
        (2) the average age of weather reporting systems infrastructure 
    installed in the national airspace system;
        (3) challenges to maintaining and replacing weather reporting 
    systems, including--
            (A) root causes of weather reporting system outages, 
        including failures of such systems, and supporting systems such 
        as telecommunications infrastructure; and
            (B) the degree to which such outages affect weather 
        reporting in the national airspace system;
        (4) mitigation measures to maintain aviation safety during such 
    an outage; and
        (5) alternative means of obtaining weather elements at 
    airports, including wind direction, wind speed, barometric pressure 
    setting, and cloud coverage, including visibility.
    (c) Consultation.--In conducting the study required under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with the 
appropriate stakeholders and Federal agencies involved in installing, 
managing, and supporting weather reporting systems in the national 
airspace system.
    (d) Report.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
    appropriate committees of Congress and the Committee on Science, 
    Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report 
    describing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
        (2) Recommendations.--The Comptroller General shall include in 
    the report submitted under paragraph (1) recommendations for--
            (A) ways to improve the resiliency and redundancy of 
        weather reporting systems;
            (B) alternative means of compliance for obtaining weather 
        elements at airports; and
            (C) if necessary, changes to Orders of the Administration, 
        including the following:
                (i) Surface Weather Observing, Joint Order 7900.5.
                (ii) Notices to Air Missions, Joint Order 7930.2.
    SEC. 317. GAO STUDY ON EXPANSION OF THE FAA WEATHER CAMERA PROGRAM.
    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the 
feasibility and benefits and costs of expanding the Weather Camera 
Program of the FAA to locations in the United States that lack weather 
camera services.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall review--
        (1) the potential effects of the existing Weather Camera 
    Program on weather-related aviation accidents and flight 
    interruptions;
        (2) the potential benefits and costs associated with expanding 
    the Weather Camera Program;
        (3) limitations on the real-time access of weather camera 
    information by pilots and aircraft operators;
        (4) non-safety related regulatory structures or barriers to the 
    allowable use of weather camera information for the purposes of 
    aircraft operations;
        (5) limitations of existing weather camera systems at the time 
    of the study;
        (6) alternative sources of viable weather data;
        (7) funding mechanisms for weather camera installation and 
    operations; and
        (8) other considerations the Comptroller General determines 
    appropriate.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 28 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the study 
required under subsection (a).
    SEC. 318. AUDIT ON AVIATION SAFETY IN ERA OF WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation shall initiate an audit of the FAA's internal processes 
and procedures to communicate the position of civil aviation operators 
and the safety of the national airspace system to the National 
Telecommunications and Information Administration regarding proposed 
spectrum reallocations or auction decisions.
    (b) Assessment.--In conducting the audit described in subsection 
(a), the inspector general shall assess best practices and policy 
recommendations for the FAA to--
        (1) improve internal processes by which proposed spectrum 
    reallocations or auctions are thoroughly reviewed in advance to 
    ensure that any comments or technical concerns regarding aviation 
    safety from civil aviation stakeholders are communicated to the 
    National Telecommunications and Information Administration that are 
    to be submitted to the Federal Communications Commission;
        (2) develop internal processes and procedures to assess the 
    effects a proposed spectrum reallocation or auction may have on the 
    national airspace system in a timely manner to ensure safety of the 
    national airspace system;
        (3) improve external communication processes to better inform 
    civil aviation stakeholders, including owners and operators of 
    civil aircraft, on any comments or technical concerns of the FAA 
    relating to a proposed spectrum reallocation or auction that may 
    impact the national airspace system; and
        (4) better communicate to the National Telecommunications and 
    Information Administration when a proposed spectrum reallocation or 
    auction may pose a potential risk to aviation safety.
    (c) Stakeholder Views.--In conducting the audit pursuant to 
subsection (a), the inspector general shall consult with relevant 
stakeholders, including--
        (1) air carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations;
        (2) manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft components;
        (3) wireless communication carriers;
        (4) labor unions representing pilots;
        (5) air traffic system safety specialists;
        (6) other representatives of the communications industry;
        (7) aviation safety experts;
        (8) the National Telecommunications and Information 
    Administration; and
        (9) the Federal Communications Commission.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the 
audit is conducted pursuant to subsection (a), the inspector general 
shall complete and submit a report on findings and recommendations to--
        (1) the Administrator;
        (2) the appropriate committees of Congress; and
        (3) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
    Representatives.
    SEC. 319. SAFETY DATA ANALYSIS FOR AIRCRAFT WITHOUT TRANSPONDERS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the 
Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, shall collect and 
analyze data relating to accidents and incidents involving covered 
exempt aircraft that occurred within 30 nautical miles of an airport.
    (b) Requirements.--The analysis required under subsection (a) shall 
include, with respect to covered exempt aircraft, a review of--
        (1) incident and accident data since 2006 involving--
            (A) midair events, including collisions;
            (B) ground proximity warning system alerts;
            (C) traffic collision avoidance system alerts; or
            (D) a loss of separation or near miss; and
        (2) the causes of the incidents and accidents described in 
    paragraphs (1).
    (c) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 30 months after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the results of the analysis required under 
subsection (a) and, if applicable, recommendations on how to reduce the 
number of incidents and accidents associated with such covered exempt 
aircraft.
    (d) Covered Exempt Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term 
``covered exempt aircraft'' means aircraft, balloons, and gliders 
exempt from air traffic control transponder and altitude reporting 
equipment and use requirements under part 91.215(b)(3) of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 320. CRASH-RESISTANT FUEL SYSTEMS IN ROTORCRAFT.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall task the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee to--
        (1) review the data analysis conducted and the recommendations 
    developed by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee Rotorcraft 
    Occupant Protection Working Group of the Administration;
        (2) update the 2018 report of such working group on rotorcraft 
    occupant protection by--
            (A) reviewing National Transportation Safety Board data 
        from 2016 through 2023 on post-crash fires in helicopter 
        accidents; and
            (B) determining whether and to what extent crash-resistant 
        fuel systems could have prevented fatalities in the accidents 
        covered by the data reviewed under subparagraph (A); and
        (3) develop recommendations for either the Administrator or the 
    helicopter industry to encourage helicopter owners and operators to 
    expedite the installation of crash-resistant fuel systems in the 
    aircraft of such owners and operators regardless of original 
    certification and manufacture date.
    (b) Schedule.--
        (1) Deadline.--Not later than 18 months after the Administrator 
    tasks the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee under subsection 
    (a), the Committee shall submit the recommendations developed under 
    subsection (a)(2) to the Administrator.
        (2) Implementation.--If applicable, and not later than 180 days 
    after receiving the recommendations under paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall--
            (A) begin implementing, as appropriate, any safety 
        recommendations the Administrator receives from the Aviation 
        Rulemaking Advisory Committee, and brief the appropriate 
        committees of Congress on any recommendations the Administrator 
        does not implement; and
            (B) partner with the United States Helicopter Safety Team, 
        as appropriate, to facilitate implementation of any 
        recommendations for the helicopter industry pursuant to 
        subsection (a)(2).
    SEC. 321. REDUCING TURBULENCE-RELATED INJURIES ON PART 121 AIRCRAFT 
      OPERATIONS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall review the recommendations made by 
the Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board to the 
Administrator contained in the safety research report titled 
``Preventing Turbulence-Related Injuries in Air Carrier Operations 
Conducted Under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121'', issued 
on August 10, 2021 (NTSB/SS-21/01) and provide a briefing to the 
appropriate committees of Congress with any planned actions in response 
to the recommendations of the report.
    (b) Implementation.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall implement, as 
appropriate, the recommendations in the safety research report 
described in subsection (a).
    (c) Report.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after completing the 
    review under subsection (a), and every 2 years thereafter, the 
    Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
    Congress a report on the implementation status of the 
    recommendations in the safety research report described in 
    subsection (a) until the earlier of--
            (A) the date on which such recommendations have been 
        adopted or adjudicated as described in paragraph (2); or
            (B) the date that is 10 years after the date of enactment 
        of this Act.
        (2) Contents.--If the Administrator decides not to implement a 
    recommendation in the safety research report described in 
    subsection (a), the Administrator shall provide, as a part of the 
    report required under paragraph (1), a description of why the 
    Administrator did not implement such recommendation.
    SEC. 322. STUDY ON RADIATION EXPOSURE.
    (a) Study.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into appropriate 
arrangements with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and 
Medicine under which the National Research Council of the National 
Academies shall conduct a study on radiation exposure to crewmembers 
onboard various aircraft types operated under part 121 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Scope of Study.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the National Research Council shall assess--
        (1) radiation concentrations in such aircraft at takeoff, in-
    flight at high altitudes, and upon landing;
        (2) the health risks and impact of radiation exposure to 
    crewmembers onboard aircraft operating at high altitudes; and
        (3) mitigation measures to prevent and reduce the health and 
    safety impacts of radiation exposure to crewmembers.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 16 months after the 
initiation of the study required under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the study 
conducted by the National Research Council pursuant to this section.
    SEC. 323. STUDY ON IMPACTS OF TEMPERATURE IN AIRCRAFT CABINS.
    (a) Study.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into 
    appropriate arrangements with the National Academies of Sciences, 
    Engineering, and Medicine under which the National Academies shall 
    conduct a 1-year study on the health and safety impacts of unsafe 
    cabin temperature with respect to passengers and crewmembers during 
    each season in which the study is conducted.
        (2) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under 
    paragraph (1), the National Academies shall review existing 
    standards produced by recognized industry organizations on safe air 
    temperatures and humidity levels in enclosed environments, 
    including onboard aircraft, and evaluate the validity of such 
    standards as it relates to aircraft cabin temperatures.
        (3) Consultation.--In conducting the study required under 
    paragraph (1), the National Academies shall consult with the Civil 
    Aerospace Medical Institute of the FAA, air carriers operating 
    under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, relevant 
    Federal agencies, and any applicable aviation labor organizations.
    (b) Reports.--
        (1) Report to secretary.--Not later than 180 days after the 
    date on which the study under subsection (a) is completed, the 
    National Academies shall submit to the Secretary a report on the 
    results of such study, including any recommendations determined 
    appropriate by the National Academies.
        (2) Report to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the date 
    on which the National Academies submits the report under paragraph 
    (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
    Congress a report describing the results of the study required 
    under subsection (a), including any recommendations for further 
    action determined appropriate by the Secretary.
    (c) Covered Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered 
aircraft'' means an aircraft operated under part 121 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 324. LITHIUM-ION POWERED WHEELCHAIRS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall task the Air Carrier Access Act 
Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Committee'') 
to conduct a review of regulations related to lithium-ion battery 
powered wheelchairs and mobility aids on commercial aircraft and 
provide recommendations to the Secretary to ensure safe transport of 
such wheelchairs and mobility aids in air transportation.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the review required under 
subsection (a), the Committee shall consider the following:
        (1) Any existing or necessary standards for lithium-ion 
    batteries, including casings or other similar components, in such 
    wheelchairs and mobility aids.
        (2) The availability of necessary containment or storage 
    devices, including fire containment covers or fire-resistant 
    storage containers, for such wheelchairs and mobility aids.
        (3) The policies of each air carrier (as such term is defined 
    in part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) pertaining to 
    lithium-ion battery powered wheelchairs and mobility aids (as in 
    effect on the date of enactment of this Act).
        (4) Any other considerations the Secretary determines 
    appropriate.
    (c) Consultation Requirement.--In conducting the review required 
under subsection (a), the Committee shall consult with the 
Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
Administration.
    (d) Notification.--
        (1) In general.--Upon completion of the review conducted under 
    subsection (a), the Committee shall notify the Secretary if an air 
    carrier does not have a policy pertaining to lithium-ion battery 
    powered wheelchairs and mobility aids in effect.
        (2) Notification.--The Secretary shall notify an air carrier 
    described in paragraph (1) of the status of such air carrier.
    (e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after submission of 
the recommendations to the Secretary, the Secretary shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress any recommendations under subsection 
(a), in the form of a report.
    (f) Publication.--The Secretary shall publish the report required 
under subsection (e) on the public website of the Department of 
Transportation.
    SEC. 325. NATIONAL SIMULATOR PROGRAM POLICIES AND GUIDANCE.
    (a) Review.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall review relevant policies and 
guidance, including all advisory circulars, information bulletins, and 
directives, pertaining to part 60 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations.
    (b) Updates.--Upon completion of the review required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at a minimum, update relevant 
policies and guidance, including all advisory circulars, information 
bulletins, and directives, pertaining to part 60 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations.
    (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the review required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall convene and consult with 
entities required to comply with part 60 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, including representatives of--
        (1) air carriers;
        (2) flight schools certificated under part 141 of title 14, 
    Code of Federal Regulations;
        (3) training centers certificated under part 142 of title 14, 
    Code of Federal Regulations; and
        (4) manufacturers and suppliers of flight simulation training 
    devices (as defined in part 1 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, and Appendix F to part 60 of such title).
    (d) GAO Study on FAA National Simulator Program.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a 
    study on the National Simulator Program of the FAA that is part of 
    the Training and Simulation Group of the Air Transportation 
    Division.
        (2) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under 
    paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum, 
    assess--
            (A) how the program described in paragraph (1) is 
        maintained to reflect and account for advancement in 
        technologies pertaining to flight simulation training devices 
        (as defined in part 1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
        and appendix F to part 60 of such title);
            (B) the staffing levels, critical competencies, and skills 
        gaps of FAA personnel responsible for carrying out and 
        supporting the program described in paragraph (1); and
            (C) how the program described in paragraph (1) engages air 
        carriers and relevant industry stakeholders, including flight 
        schools, to ensure efficient compliance with part 60 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
    appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings of the 
    study conducted under paragraph (1).
    SEC. 326. BRIEFING ON AGRICULTURAL APPLICATION APPROVAL TIMING.
    Not later than 240 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
the amount of time the application approval process takes for 
agricultural aircraft operations under part 137 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 327. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING SAFETY AND SECURITY OF 
      AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE.
    It is the sense of Congress that aviation provides essential 
services critical to the United States economy and that it is important 
to ensure the safety and security of aviation infrastructure and 
protect such infrastructure from unlawful breaches with appropriate 
legal safeguards.
    SEC. 328. RESTRICTED CATEGORY AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator shall 
have sole regulatory and oversight jurisdiction over the maintenance 
and operations of aircraft owned by civilian operators and type-
certificated in the restricted category under section 21.25 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 329. AIRCRAFT INTERCHANGE AGREEMENT LIMITATIONS.
    (a) Study.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a study of foreign 
interchange agreements.
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study required under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall address the following:
        (1) Methods for updating regulations under part 121.569 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for foreign interchange 
    agreements.
        (2) Time limits for foreign aircraft interchange agreements.
        (3) Minimum breaks between foreign aircraft interchange 
    agreements.
        (4) Limits for no more than 1 foreign aircraft interchange 
    agreement between 2 airlines.
        (5) Limits for no more than 2 foreign aircraft on the 
    interchange agreement.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the results of the study required under subsection (a).
    (d) Rulemaking.--Based on the results of the study required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator may, if appropriate, update the 
relevant sections of part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 330. TASK FORCE ON HUMAN FACTORS IN AVIATION SAFETY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and notwithstanding section 127 of the Aircraft 
Certification Safety and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 44513 note), the 
Administrator shall convene a task force on human factors in aviation 
safety (in this section referred to as the ``Task Force'').
    (b) Composition.--
        (1) Members.--The Administrator shall appoint members of the 
    Task Force--
            (A) that have expertise in an operational or academic 
        discipline that is relevant to the analysis of human errors in 
        aviation, which may include air carrier operations, line pilot 
        expertise, air traffic control, technical operations, 
        aeronautical information, aircraft maintenance and mechanics 
        psychology, linguistics, human-machine integration, general 
        aviation operations, and organizational behavior and culture;
            (B) that sufficiently represent all relevant operational or 
        academic disciplines described in subparagraph (A);
            (C) with expertise on human factors but whose experience 
        and training are not in aviation and who have not previously 
        been engaged in work related to the FAA or the aviation 
        industry;
            (D) that are representatives of pilot labor organizations 
        and certificated mechanic labor organizations;
            (E) that are employees of the FAA that have expertise in 
        safety; and
            (F) that are employees of other Federal agencies with 
        expertise on human factors.
        (2) Number of members.--In appointing members under paragraph 
    (1), the Administrator shall ensure that--
            (A) at least half of the members appointed have expertise 
        in aviation;
            (B) at least one member appointed represents an exclusive 
        bargaining representative of air traffic controllers certified 
        under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; and
            (C) 3 members are employees of the FAA and 1 member is an 
        employee of the National Transportation Safety Board.
        (3) Voting.--The members described in paragraph (2)(C) shall be 
    non-voting members of the Task Force.
    (c) Duration.--
        (1) In general.--Members of the Task Force shall be appointed 
    for the duration of the Task Force.
        (2) Length of existence.--
            (A) In general.--The Task Force shall have an initial 
        duration of 2 years.
            (B) Option.--The Administrator may extend the duration of 
        the Task Force for an additional period of up to 2 years.
    (d) Duties.--In coordination with the Research, Engineering, and 
Development Advisory Committee, the Task Force shall--
        (1) not later than the date on which the duration of the Task 
    Force expires under subsection (c), produce a written report in 
    which the Task Force--
            (A) to the greatest extent possible, identifies the most 
        significant human factors and the relative contribution of such 
        factors to aviation safety risk;
            (B) identifies new research priorities for research in 
        human factors in aviation safety;
            (C) reviews existing products by other working groups 
        related to human factors in aviation safety including the work 
        of the Commercial Aviation Safety Team pertaining to flight 
        crew responses to abnormal events;
            (D) provides recommendations on potential revisions to any 
        FAA regulations and guidance pertaining to the certification of 
        aircraft under part 25 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, including sections related to presumed pilot 
        response times and assumptions about the reliability of pilot 
        performance during unexpected, stressful events;
            (E) reviews rules, regulations, or standards regarding 
        flight crew and maintenance personnel rest and fatigue that are 
        used by a sample of international air carriers, including 
        rules, regulations, or standards determined to be more 
        stringent and less stringent than the current standards 
        pertaining to air carriers (as such term is defined in section 
        40102 of title 49, United States Code), and identifies risks to 
        the national airspace system from any variation in such rules, 
        regulations, or standards across countries;
            (F) reviews pilot training requirements and recommends any 
        revisions necessary to ensure adequate understanding of 
        automated systems on aircraft;
            (G) reviews approach and landing misalignment and makes any 
        recommendations for reducing misalignment events;
            (H) identifies ways to enhance instrument landing system 
        maintenance schedules;
            (I) determines how a real-time smart system should be 
        developed to inform the air traffic control system, air 
        carriers, and airports about any changes in the state of runway 
        and taxiway lights and identifies how such real-time smart 
        system could be connected to the maintenance system of the FAA;
            (J) analyzes, with respect to human errors related to 
        aviation safety of air carriers operating under part 121 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations--
                (i) fatigue and distraction during critical phases of 
            work among pilots or other aviation personnel;
                (ii) tasks and workload;
                (iii) organizational culture;
                (iv) communication among personnel;
                (v) adherence to safety procedures;
                (vi) mental state of personnel; and
                (vii) any other relevant factors that are the cause or 
            potential cause of human error related to aviation safety;
            (K) includes a tabulation of the number of accidents, 
        incidents, or aviation safety database entries received in 
        which an item identified under subparagraph (J) was a cause or 
        potential cause of human error related to aviation safety; and
            (L) includes a list of causes or potential causes of human 
        error related to aviation safety about which the Administrator 
        believes additional information is needed; and
        (2) if the Administrator extends the duration of the Task Force 
    pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(B), not later than the date that is 2 
    years after the date on which the Task Force is established, 
    produce an interim report containing the information described in 
    paragraph (1).
    (e) Methodology.--In carrying out the duties under subparagraphs 
(J) through (L) of subsection (d)(1), the Task Force shall consult with 
the National Transportation Safety Board and use all available data 
compiled and analysis conducted on safety incidents and irregularities 
collected during the relevant fiscal year from the following:
        (1) Flight Operations Quality Assurance.
        (2) Aviation Safety Action Program.
        (3) Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing.
        (4) The Aviation Safety Reporting System.
        (5) Aviation safety recommendations and investigation findings 
    of the National Transportation Safety Board.
        (6) Other relevant programs or sources.
    (f) Consistency.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
require changes to, or duplication of, work as required by section 127 
of the Aircraft Certification Safety and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 
44513 note).
    SEC. 331. UPDATE OF FAA STANDARDS TO ALLOW DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF 
      CERTAIN RESTRICTED ROUTES AND TERMINAL PROCEDURES.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 9 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall update FAA standards to 
allow for the distribution and use of the Capstone Restricted Routes 
and Terminal Procedures by Wide Area Augmentation System-capable 
navigation equipment.
    (b) Contents.--In updating standards under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall ensure that such standards provide a means for 
allowing modifications and continued development of new routes and 
procedures proposed by air carriers operating such routes.
    SEC. 332. ASOS/AWOS SERVICE REPORT DASHBOARD.
    (a) In General.--The applicable Administrators shall work in 
collaboration to collect the real-time service status of all automated 
surface observation systems/automated weather observing systems (in 
this section referred to as ``ASOS/AWOS'').
    (b) Availability of Results.--
        (1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the applicable 
    Administrators shall make available on a publicly available website 
    the following:
            (A) The service status of all ASOS/AWOS.
            (B) Information on any actions to repair or replace ASOS/
        AWOS that are out of service due to technical or weather-
        related events, including an estimated timeline to return the 
        systems to service.
            (C) A portal on such publicly available website for the 
        public to report ASOS/AWOS outages.
        (2) Data files.--The applicable Administrators shall make 
    available the underlying data required under paragraph (1) for each 
    ASOS/AWOS in a machine-readable format.
    (c) Applicable Administrators.--In this section, the term 
``applicable Administrators'' means--
        (1) the Administrator of the FAA; and
        (2) the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
    Administration.
    SEC. 333. HELICOPTER SAFETY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Investigative 
Technologies Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (in this section 
referred to as the ``Committee'') with reviewing and assessing the need 
for changes to the safety requirements related to flight data 
recorders, flight data monitoring, and terrain awareness and warning 
systems for turbine-powered rotorcraft certificated for 6 or more 
passenger seats.
    (b) Considerations.--In reviewing and assessing the safety 
requirements under subsection (a), the Committee shall consider--
        (1) any applicable safety recommendations of the National 
    Transportation Safety Board; and
        (2) the operational requirements and safety considerations for 
    operations under parts 121 and 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations.
    (c) Report and Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after 
initiating the review and assessment under this section, the Committee 
shall submit to the Administrator--
        (1) a report on the findings of the review and assessment under 
    subsection (a); and
        (2) any recommendations for legislative or regulatory action to 
    improve safety that the Committee determines appropriate.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which the 
Committee submits the report under subsection (c), the Administrator 
shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on--
        (1) the findings and recommendations included in such report; 
    and
        (2) any plan to implement such recommendations.
    SEC. 334. REVIEW AND INCORPORATION OF HUMAN READINESS LEVELS INTO 
      AGENCY GUIDANCE MATERIAL.
    (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
        (1) proper attention to human factors during the development of 
    technological systems is a significant factor in minimizing or 
    preventing human error;
        (2) the evaluation of a new aviation technology or system with 
    respect to human use throughout its design and development may 
    reduce human error when such technologies and systems are used in 
    operational conditions; and
        (3) the technical standard of the Human Factors and Ergonomics 
    Society titled ``Human Readiness Level Scale in the System 
    Development Process'' (ANSI/HFES 400-2021) defines the 9 levels of 
    a Human Readiness Level scale and their application in systems 
    engineering and human systems integration processes.
    (b) Review.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a process to review the 
technical standard described in subsection (a)(3) and determine whether 
any materials from such standard should be incorporated or referenced 
in agency procedures and guidance material in order to enhance safety 
in relation to human factors.
    (c) Consultation.--In carrying out subsection (b), the 
Administrator may consult with subject matter experts from the Human 
Factors and Ergonomics Society affiliated with such technical standard 
or other relevant stakeholders.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the progress of the review required under subsection 
(b).
    SEC. 335. SERVICE DIFFICULTY REPORTS.
    (a) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2027, 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
compliance with requirements relating to service difficulty reports 
during the preceding year.
    (b) Scope.--The Administrator shall include in the briefing 
required under subsection (a) information relating to--
        (1) operators required to comply with section 121.703 of title 
    14, Code of Federal Regulations;
        (2) approval or certificate holders required to comply with 
    section 183.63 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
        (3) FAA offices that investigate service difficulty reports, as 
    documented in the following FAA Orders (and any subsequent 
    revisions of such orders):
            (A) FAA Order 8900.1A, titled ``Flight Standards 
        Information Management System'' and issued on October 27, 2022.
            (B) FAA Order 8120.23A, titled ``Certificate Management of 
        Production Approval Holders'' and issued on March 6, 2017.
            (C) FAA Order 8110.107B, titled ``Monitor Safety/Analyze 
        Data'' and issued on October 13, 2023.
    (c) Requirements.--The Administrator shall include in the briefing 
required under subsection (a) the following information with respect to 
the year preceding the year in which the briefing is provided:
        (1) An identification of categories of service difficulties 
    reported.
        (2) An identification of service difficulties for which 
    repeated reports are made.
        (3) A general description of the causes of all service 
    difficulty reports, as determined by the Administrator.
        (4) A description of actions taken by, or required by, the 
    Administrator to address identified causes of service difficulties.
        (5) A description of violations of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, related to service difficulty reports and any actions 
    taken by the Administrator in response to such violations.
    SEC. 336. CONSISTENT AND TIMELY PILOT CHECKS FOR AIR CARRIERS.
    (a) Establishment of Working Group.--Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, unless the requirements of this 
section are assigned to working groups under subsection (b)(2), the 
Administrator shall establish a working group for purposes of reviewing 
and evaluating all regulations and policies related to check airmen and 
authorized check airmen for air carrier operations conducted under part 
135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Membership.--
        (1) In general.--The working group established under this 
    section shall include, at a minimum--
            (A) employees of the FAA who serve as check airmen;
            (B) representatives of air carriers operating under part 
        135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
            (C) industry associations representing such air carriers.
        (2) Existing working group.--The Administrator may assign the 
    duties described in subsection (c) to an existing FAA working group 
    if--
            (A) such working group includes representatives from the 
        list of required members under paragraph (1); or
            (B) the membership of such existing working group can be 
        modified to include representatives from the list of required 
        members under paragraph (1).
    (c) Duties.--A working group shall review, evaluate, and make 
recommendations on the following:
        (1) Methods by which authorized check airmen for air carriers 
    operating under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
    are selected, trained, and approved by the Administrator.
        (2) Staffing and utilization rates of authorized check airmen 
    by such air carriers.
        (3) Differences in qualification standards applied to--
            (A) employees of the FAA who serve as check airmen; and
            (B) authorized check airmen of such air carriers.
        (4) Methods to harmonize the qualification standards between 
    authorized check airmen and employees of the FAA who serve as check 
    airmen.
        (5) Methods to improve the training and qualification of 
    authorized check airmen.
        (6) Prior recommendations made by FAA advisory committees or 
    working groups regarding check airmen functions.
        (7) Petitions for rulemaking submitted to the FAA regarding 
    check airmen functions.
    (d) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
which the Administrator tasks a working group with the duties described 
in subsection (c), the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the progress and recommendations of the 
working group and the efforts of the Administrator to implement such 
recommendations.
    (e) Authorized Check Airman Defined.--In this section, the term 
``authorized check airman'' means an individual employed by an air 
carrier that meets the qualifications and training requirements of 
sections 135.337 and 135.339 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
and is approved to evaluate and certify the knowledge and skills of 
pilots employed by such air carrier.
    SEC. 337. FLIGHT SERVICE STATIONS.
    Section 44514 of title 49, United States Code, and the item 
relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 445 of such title 
are repealed.
    SEC. 338. TARMAC OPERATIONS MONITORING STUDY.
    (a) In General.--The Director of the Bureau of Transportation 
Statistics, in consultation with relevant offices within the Office of 
the Secretary and the FAA (as determined by the Secretary), shall 
conduct a study to explore the capture, storage, analysis, and 
feasibility of monitoring ground source data at airports.
    (b) Objectives.--The objectives of the study conducted under 
subsection (a) shall include the following:
        (1) Determining the current state of ground source data 
    coverage at airports.
        (2) Understanding the technology requirements for monitoring 
    ground movements at airports through sensors, receivers, or other 
    technologies.
        (3) Conducting data collection through a pilot program 
    established under subsection (c) and collecting ground-based tarmac 
    delay statistics.
        (4) Performing an evaluation and feasibility analysis of 
    potential system-level tarmac operations monitoring solutions.
    (c) Pilot Program.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish a pilot program 
    to collect data and develop ground-based tarmac delay statistics or 
    other relevant statistics with respect to airports.
        (2) Requirements.--The pilot program established under 
    paragraph (1) shall--
            (A) include up to 6 airports that the Director determines 
        reflect a diversity of factors, including geography, size, and 
        air traffic;
            (B) terminate not more than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act; and
            (C) be subject to any guidelines issued by the Director.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Director shall publish the results of the study conducted 
under subsection (a) and the pilot program established under subsection 
(c) on a publicly available website.
    SEC. 339. IMPROVED SAFETY IN RURAL AREAS.
    (a) In General.--Section 322 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 44701 note) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 322. IMPROVED SAFETY IN RURAL AREAS.
    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall permit an air carrier 
operating pursuant to part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations--
        ``(1) to operate under instrument flight rules (in this section 
    referred to as `IFR') to a destination in a noncontiguous State 
    that has a published instrument approach but does not have a 
    Meteorological Aerodrome Report (in this section referred to as 
    `METAR'); and
        ``(2) to conduct an instrument approach at such destination 
    if--
            ``(A) a current Area Forecast, supplemented by noncertified 
        destination weather observations (such as weather cameras and 
        other noncertified observations), is available, and, at the 
        time of departure, the combination of the Area Forecast and 
        noncertified observation indicates that weather is expected to 
        be at or above approach minimums upon arrival;
            ``(B) prior to commencing an approach, the air carrier has 
        a means to communicate to the pilot of the aircraft whether the 
        destination weather observation is either at or above minimums 
        for the approach to be flown; and
            ``(C) in the event the destination weather observation is 
        below such minimums, a suitable alternate airport that has a 
        METAR is specified in the IFR flight plan.
    ``(b) Application Template.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall develop an 
    application template with standardized, specific approval criteria 
    to enable FAA inspectors to objectively evaluate the application of 
    an air carrier to operate in the manner described in subsection 
    (a).
        ``(2) Requirements.--The template required under paragraph (1) 
    shall include a place in such template for an air carrier to 
    describe--
            ``(A) how any non-certified human observations will be 
        conducted; and
            ``(B) how such observations will be communicated--
                ``(i) to air carriers prior to dispatch; and
                ``(ii) to pilots prior to approach.
        ``(3) Response to application.--
            ``(A) Timeline.--The Administrator shall ensure--
                ``(i) that the Administrator has the ability to respond 
            to an application of an air carrier not later than 30 days 
            after receipt of such application; and
                ``(ii) in the event the Administrator cannot respond 
            within 30 days, that the Administrator informs the air 
            carrier of the expected response time with respect to the 
            application of the air carrier.
            ``(B) Rejection.--In the event that the Administrator 
        rejects an application of an air carrier, the Administrator 
        shall inform the air carrier of the specific criteria that were 
        the cause for rejection.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on the date that is 12 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act.
    SEC. 340. STUDY ON FAA USE OF MANDATORY EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT 
      WAIVERS.
    (a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on 
the use of waivers of rights by the Administrator that may arise under 
section 504 of title 5, United States Code, or section 2412 of title 
28, United States Code, as a condition for the settlement of any 
proceedings to amend, modify, suspend, or revoke an airman certificate 
or to impose a civil penalty on a flight engineer, mechanic, pilot, or 
repairman (or an individual acting in the capacity of such engineer, 
mechanic, pilot, or repairman).
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General shall consider--
        (1) the frequency of the use of waivers by the Administrator 
    described in this section;
        (2) the benefits and consequences of the use of such waivers to 
    both the Administrator and the certificate holder; and
        (3) the effects of a prohibition on using such waivers.
    (c) Cooperation With Study.--The Administrator shall cooperate with 
any requests for information by Comptroller General to complete the 
study required under subsection (a).
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the study 
conducted under subsection (a), including recommendations for any 
legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.
    SEC. 341. AIRPORT AIR SAFETY.
    The Administrator shall seek to enter into appropriate arrangements 
with a qualified third-party entity to evaluate whether poor air 
quality inside the Washington Dulles International Airport passenger 
terminal negatively affects passengers.
    SEC. 342. DON YOUNG ALASKA AVIATION SAFETY INITIATIVE.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44745. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative
    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall redesignate the FAA Alaska Aviation Safety 
Initiative of the Administration as the Don Young Alaska Aviation 
Safety Initiative (in this section referred to as the `Initiative'), 
under which the Administrator shall carry out the provisions of this 
section and take such other actions as the Administrator determines 
appropriate to improve aviation safety in Alaska and covered locations.
    ``(b) Objective.--The objective of the Initiative shall be to work 
cooperatively with aviation stakeholders and other stakeholders towards 
the goal of--
        ``(1) reducing the rate of fatal aircraft accidents in Alaska 
    and covered locations by 90 percent from 2019 to 2033; and
        ``(2) by January 1, 2033, eliminating fatal accidents of 
    aircraft operated by an air carrier that operates under part 135 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    ``(c) Leadership.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall designate the 
    Regional Administrator for the Alaskan Region of the Administration 
    to serve as the Director of the Initiative.
        ``(2) Covered locations.--The Administrator shall select a 
    designee within the Aviation Safety Organization to implement 
    relevant requirements of this section in covered locations.
        ``(3) Reporting chain.--In all matters relating to the 
    Initiative, the Director of the Initiative shall report directly to 
    the Administrator.
        ``(4) Coordination.--The Director of the Initiative shall 
    coordinate with the heads of other offices and lines of business of 
    the Administration, including the other regional administrators, to 
    carry out the Initiative.
    ``(d) Automated Weather Systems.--
        ``(1) Requirement.--The Administrator shall ensure, to the 
    greatest extent practicable, that a covered automated weather 
    system is installed and operated at each covered airport not later 
    than December 31, 2030.
        ``(2) Waiver.--In complying with the requirement under 
    paragraph (1), the Administrator may waive any positive benefit-
    cost ratio requirement for the installation and operation of a 
    covered automated weather system.
        ``(3) Prioritization.--In developing the installation timeline 
    of a covered automated weather system at a covered airport pursuant 
    to this subsection, the Administrator shall--
            ``(A) coordinate and consult with the governments with 
        jurisdiction over Alaska and covered locations, covered 
        airports, air carriers operating in Alaska or covered 
        locations, private pilots based in Alaska or a covered 
        location, and such other members of the aviation community in 
        Alaska or covered locations; and
            ``(B) prioritize early installation at covered airports 
        that would enable the greatest number of instrument flight rule 
        operations by air carriers operating under part 121 or 135 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        ``(4) Reliability.--
            ``(A) In general.--Pertaining to both Federal and non-
        Federal systems in Alaska, the Administrator shall be 
        responsible for ensuring--
                ``(i) the reliability of covered automated weather 
            systems; and
                ``(ii) the availability of weather information from 
            such systems.
            ``(B) Specifications.--The Administrator shall establish 
        data availability and equipment reliability specifications for 
        covered automated weather systems.
            ``(C) System reliability and restoration plan.--Not later 
        than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, the 
        Administrator shall establish an automated weather system 
        reliability and restoration plan for Alaska. Such plan shall 
        document the Administrator's strategy for ensuring covered 
        automated weather system reliability, including the 
        availability of weather information from such system, and for 
        restoring service in as little time as possible.
            ``(D) Telecommunications or other failures.--If a covered 
        automated weather system in Alaska is unable to broadly 
        disseminate weather information due to a telecommunications 
        failure or a failure other than an equipment failure, the 
        Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to 
        restore the full functionality and connectivity of the covered 
        automated weather system. The Administrator shall take actions 
        under this subparagraph with the same urgency as the 
        Administrator would take an action to repair a covered 
        automated weather system equipment failure or data fidelity 
        issue.
            ``(E) Reliability data.--In tabulating data relating to the 
        operational status of covered automated weather systems 
        (including individually or collectively), the Administrator may 
        not consider a covered automated weather system that is 
        functioning nominally but is unable to broadly disseminate 
        weather information telecommunications failure or a failure 
        other than an equipment failure as functioning reliably.
        ``(5) Inventory.--
            ``(A) Maintenance improvements.--
                ``(i) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the 
            date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, 
            the Administrator shall identify and implement reasonable 
            alternative actions to improve maintenance of FAA-owned 
            weather observing systems that experience frequent service 
            outages, including associated surface communication 
            outages, at covered airports.
                ``(ii) Spare parts availability.--The actions 
            identified by the Administrator in clause (i) shall improve 
            spare parts availability, including consideration of 
            storage of more spare parts in the region in which the 
            systems are located.
            ``(B) Notice of outages.--Not later than 18 months after 
        the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, 
        the Administrator shall update FAA Order 7930.2 Notices to Air 
        Missions, or any successive order, to incorporate weather 
        system outages for automated weather observing systems and 
        automated surface observing systems associated with Service A 
        Outages at covered airports.
        ``(6) Visual weather observation system.--
            ``(A) Deployment.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the 
        Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to--
                ``(i) deploy visual weather observation systems;
                ``(ii) ensure that such systems are capable of meeting 
            the definition of a covered automated weather system in 
            Alaska; and
                ``(iii) develop standard operation specifications for 
            visual weather operation systems.
            ``(B) Modification of specifications.--Upon the request of 
        an aircraft operator, the Administrator shall issue or modify 
        the standard operation specifications for visual weather 
        observation systems developed under subparagraph (A) to allow 
        such systems to be used to satisfy the requirements for 
        supplemental noncertified local weather observations under 
        section 322 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 
        115-254).
    ``(e) Weather Cameras.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Director shall continuously assess the 
    state of the weather camera systems in Alaska and covered locations 
    to ensure the operational sufficiency and reliability of such 
    systems.
        ``(2) Applications.--The Director shall--
            ``(A) accept applications from persons to install weather 
        cameras; and
            ``(B) consult with the governments with jurisdiction over 
        Alaska and covered locations, covered airports, air carriers 
        operating in Alaska or covered locations, private pilots based 
        in Alaska or covered locations, and such other members of the 
        aviation community in Alaska and covered locations as the 
        Administrator determines appropriate to solicit additional 
        locations at which to install and operate weather cameras.
        ``(3) Presumption.--Unless the Director has clear and 
    compelling evidence to the contrary, the Director shall presume 
    that the installation of a weather camera at a covered airport in 
    Alaska, or that is recommended by a government with jurisdiction 
    over a covered location, is cost beneficial and will improve 
    aviation safety.
    ``(f) Cooperation With Other Agencies.--In carrying out this 
section, the Administrator shall cooperate with the heads of other 
Federal or State agencies with responsibilities affecting aviation 
safety in Alaska and covered locations, including the collection and 
dissemination of weather data.
    ``(g) Surveillance and Communication.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Director shall take such actions as may 
    be necessary to--
            ``(A) encourage and incentivize the equipage of aircraft 
        that operate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, with automatic dependent surveillance and 
        broadcast out equipment; and
            ``(B) improve aviation surveillance and communications in 
        Alaska and covered locations.
        ``(2) Requirement.--Not later than December 31, 2030, the 
    Administrator shall ensure that automatic dependent surveillance 
    and broadcast coverage is available at 5,000 feet above ground 
    level throughout each covered location and Alaska.
        ``(3) Waiver.--The Administrator shall waive any positive 
    benefit-cost ratio requirement for--
            ``(A) the installation and operation of equipment and 
        facilities necessary to implement the requirement under 
        paragraph (2); and
            ``(B) the provision of additional ground-based transmitters 
        for automatic dependent surveillance-broadcasts to provide a 
        minimum operational network in Alaska along major flight 
        routes.
        ``(4) Service areas.--The Director shall continuously identify 
    additional automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast service areas 
    in which the deployment of automatic dependent surveillance-
    broadcast receivers and equipment would improve aviation safety.
    ``(h) Other Projects.--The Director shall continue to build upon 
other initiatives recommended in the reports of the FAA Alaska Aviation 
Safety Initiative of the Administration published before the date of 
enactment of this section.
    ``(i) Annual Report.--
        ``(1) In general.--Beginning on the date that is 1 year after 
    the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, and 
    annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the 
    Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
    Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
    Transportation of the Senate a report on the Initiative, including 
    an itemized description of how the Administration budget meets the 
    goals of the Initiative.
        ``(2) Stakeholder comments.--The Director shall append 
    stakeholder comments, organized by topic, to each report submitted 
    under paragraph (1) in the same manner as appendix 3 of the report 
    titled `FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative FY21 Final Report', 
    dated September 30, 2021.
    ``(j) Funding.--
        ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
    for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028--
            ``(A) the Administrator may, upon application from the 
        government with jurisdiction over a covered airport and in 
        coordination with the State or territory in which a covered 
        airport is located, use amounts apportioned under subsection 
        (d)(2)(B) or subsection (e) of section 47114 to carry out the 
        Initiative; or
            ``(B) the sponsor of a covered airport that receives an 
        apportionment under subsection (d)(2)(A) or subsection (e) of 
        section 47114 may use such apportionment for any purpose 
        contained in this section.
        ``(2) Supplemental funding.--Out of amounts made available 
    under section 106(k) and section 48101, not more than a total of 
    $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 is 
    authorized to be expended to carry out the Initiative.
    ``(k) Definitions.--In this section:
        ``(1) Covered airport.--The term `covered airport' means an 
    airport in Alaska or a covered location that is included in the 
    national plan of integrated airport systems required under section 
    47103 and that has a status other than unclassified in such plan.
        ``(2) Covered automated weather system.--The term `covered 
    automated weather system' means an automated or visual weather 
    reporting facility that enables a pilot to begin an instrument 
    procedure approach to an airport under section 91.1039 or 135.225 
    of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        ``(3) Covered location.--The term `covered location' means 
    Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana 
    Islands, and the Virgin Islands.
    ``(l) Conformity.--The Administrator shall conduct all activities 
required under this section in conformity with section 44720.''.
    (b) Remote Positions.--Section 40122(g) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
        ``(7) Remote positions.--
            ``(A) In general.--If the Administrator determines that a 
        covered position has not been filled after multiple vacancy 
        announcements and that there are unique circumstances affecting 
        the ability of the Administrator to fill such position, the 
        Administrator may consider, in consultation with the 
        appropriate labor union, applicants for the covered position 
        who apply under a vacancy announcement recruiting from the 
        State or territory in which the position is based.
            ``(B) Covered position defined.--In this paragraph, the 
        term `covered position' means a safety-critical position, to 
        include personnel located at contract towers, based in Alaska, 
        Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana 
        Islands, and the Virgin Islands.''.
    (c) GAO Study on Alaska Aviation Safety.--
        (1) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study to--
            (A) examine the effectiveness of the Don Young Alaska 
        Aviation Safety Initiative to improve aviation safety, service, 
        and infrastructure; and
            (B) identify challenges within the FAA to accomplishing 
        safety improvements carried out under such Initiative.
        (2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
    of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
    appropriate committees of Congress a report containing--
            (A) the findings of the study under paragraph (1); and
            (B) recommendations for such legislative or administrative 
        action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
    (d) Runway Length.--The Administrator--
        (1) may not restrict funding made available under chapter 471 
    of title 49, United States Code, from being used at an airport in 
    Alaska to rehabilitate, resurface, or reconstruct the full length 
    and width of an existing runway within Alaska based solely on 
    reduced current or forecasted aeronautical activity levels or 
    critical design type standards;
        (2) may not reject requests for runway projects at airports in 
    Alaska if such projects address critical community needs, including 
    projects--
            (A) that support economic development by expanding a runway 
        to meet new demands; or
            (B) that preserve the length of runways used by aircraft to 
        deliver necessary cargo, including heating fuel and gasoline, 
        for the community served by the airport; and
        (3) shall, not later than 60 days after receiving a request for 
    a runway rehabilitation or reconstruction project at an airport in 
    Alaska, review each such request on a case-by-case basis.
    (e) Implementation of NTSB Recommendations.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall take such actions as 
    may be necessary to implement National Transportation Safety Board 
    recommendations A-22-25 and A-22-26 (as contained in Aviation 
    Investigation Report AIR-22-09, adopted November 16, 2022).
        (2) Coordination.--In taking actions under paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall coordinate with the State of Alaska, airports 
    in Alaska, air carriers operating in Alaska, private pilots 
    (including tour operators) based in Alaska, and such other members 
    of the Alaska aviation community or other stakeholders as the 
    Administrator determines appropriate.
    (f) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``44745. Don Young Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative.''.
    SEC. 343. ACCOUNTABILITY AND COMPLIANCE.
    (a) In General.--Section 44704(a) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
        ``(6) Submission of data.--When an applicant submits design 
    data to the Administrator for a finding of compliance as part of an 
    application for a type certificate, the applicant shall certify to 
    the Administrator that--
            ``(A) the submitted design data demonstrates compliance 
        with the applicable airworthiness standards; and
            ``(B) any airworthiness standards not complied with are 
        compensated for by factors that provide an equivalent level of 
        safety, as agreed upon by the Administrator.''.
    (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the implementation of 
the certification requirement added by the amendment made by subsection 
(a).
    SEC. 344. CHANGED PRODUCT RULE REFORM.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of 
proposed rulemaking to revise section 21.101 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations, to achieve the following objectives:
        (1) For any significant design change, as determined by the 
    Administrator, to require that the exception related to 
    impracticality under subsection (b)(3) of such section from the 
    requirement to comply with the latest amendments of the applicable 
    airworthiness standards in effect on the date of application for 
    the change be approved only after providing public notice and 
    opportunity to comment on such exception.
        (2) To ensure appropriate documentation of any exception or 
    exemption from airworthiness requirements in title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of application for 
    the change.
    (b) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the implementation by 
the FAA of the recommendations of the Changed Product Rule 
International Authorities Working Group, established for purposes of 
carrying out the requirements of section 117 of the Aircraft 
Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (49 U.S.C. 44704 note), 
including recommendations on harmonized changes and reforms regarding 
the impractical exception.
    (c) Final Rule.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule based on the 
notice of proposed rulemaking issued under subsection (a).
    (d) Annual Report.--Beginning in 2025 and annually thereafter 
through 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress an annual report detailing the number of all 
significant design change exceptions approved and denied under 
paragraphs (1) through (3) of section 21.101(b) of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 345. ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL PENALTIES.
    Section 46301(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (4) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting 
    the following:
        ``(A) the amount in controversy is more than--
            ``(i) $400,000 if the violation was committed by any person 
        other than an individual or small business concern before the 
        date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;
            ``(ii) $50,000 if the violation was committed by an 
        individual or small business concern before the date of 
        enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;
            ``(iii) $1,200,000 if the violation was committed by a 
        person other than an individual or small business concern on or 
        after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
        2024; or
            ``(iv) $100,000 if the violation was committed by an 
        individual on or after the date of enactment of the FAA 
        Reauthorization Act of 2024;''; and
        (2) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following:
        ``(8) The maximum civil penalty the Administrator of the 
    Transportation Security Administration, Administrator of the 
    Federal Aviation Administration, or Board may impose under this 
    subsection is--
            ``(A) $400,000 if the violation was committed by a person 
        other than an individual or small business concern before the 
        date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;
            ``(B) $50,000 if the violation was committed by an 
        individual or small business concern before the date of 
        enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;
            ``(C) $1,200,000 if the violation was committed by a person 
        other than an individual or small business concern on or after 
        the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024; 
        or
            ``(D) $100,000 if the violation was committed by an 
        individual on or after the date of enactment of the FAA 
        Reauthorization Act of 2024.''.
    SEC. 346. STUDY ON AIRWORTHINESS STANDARDS COMPLIANCE.
    (a) Study.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement 
with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a 
study, in consultation with appropriate aviation safety engineers of 
the FAA, on the occurrences and potential consequences of a transport 
airplane design found to not comply with applicable airworthiness 
standards.
    (b) Scope.--In conducting the study pursuant to subsection (a), the 
federally funded research and development center shall identify each 
final airworthiness directive issued by the FAA or another civil 
aviation authority--
        (1) applicable to transport airplanes during the 10-year period 
    prior to the date of enactment of this Act; and
        (2) to address an unsafe condition resulting from an approved 
    design that was noncompliant with an applicable airworthiness 
    standard.
    (c) Requirements.--For each such airworthiness directive identified 
under subsection (b), the federally funded research and development 
center shall examine--
        (1) the airworthiness standard with which the transport 
    airplane failed to comply;
        (2) the resulting unsafe condition and whether such condition 
    resulted in an accident;
        (3) the methods by which the noncompliance was discovered and 
    brought to the attention of the FAA or another civil aviation 
    authority, to the extent such methods can be identified;
        (4) an analysis of the method used by the applicant to show 
    compliance during the certification process and whether other 
    compliance methods may have reasonably identified the noncompliance 
    during the certification process;
        (5) the date of approval of the relevant type design and the 
    date of issuance of the airworthiness directive;
        (6) any corrective action mandated to address the identified 
    unsafe condition;
        (7) the period of time specified for the incorporation of the 
    corrective action, during which the affected transport airplanes 
    were allowed to operate before the unsafe condition was corrected; 
    and
        (8) the total cost of compliance estimated in the final rule 
    adopting the airworthiness directive.
    (d) Coordination.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the federally funded research and development center shall coordinate 
with, and solicit comments from--
        (1) transport category aircraft manufacturers; and
        (2) employees of the Administration, including the official 
    bargaining representative of aircraft certification services 
    engineers and of aviation safety engineers under section 7111 of 
    title 5, United States Code, involved in developing airworthiness 
    directives, as necessary.
    (e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes--
        (1) the results of the study conducted under subsection (a);
        (2) actions the Administrator determines necessary to improve 
    safety as a result of the findings under subsection (a) and any 
    root causes of an unsafe condition that were identified;
        (3) the comments solicited under subsection (d); and
        (4) any other recommendations for legislative or administrative 
    action determined appropriate by the Administrator.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Air carrier; foreign air carrier.--The terms ``air 
    carrier'' and ``foreign air carrier'' have the meanings given such 
    terms in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
        (2) Transport airplane.--The term ``transport airplane'' means 
    a transport category airplane designed for operation by an air 
    carrier or foreign air carrier type-certificated with a passenger 
    seating capacity of 30 or more or an all-cargo or combi derivative.
    SEC. 347. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR NEAR MISSES, RUNWAY INCURSIONS, AND 
      SURFACE SAFETY RISKS.
    (a) Policy.--
        (1) In general.--Section 47101(a) of title 49, United States 
    Code, is amended--
            (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (13) as 
        paragraphs (3) through (14), respectively; and
            (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
        ``(2) that projects, activities, and actions that prevent 
    runway incursions serve to--
            ``(A) improve airport surface surveillance; and
            ``(B) mitigate surface safety risks that are essential to 
        ensuring the safe operation of the airport and airway 
        system;''.
        (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 47101 of title 49, United 
    States Code, is amended--
            (A) in subsection (g) by striking ``subsection (a)(5)'' and 
        inserting ``subsection (a)(6)''; and
            (B) in subsection (h) by striking ``subsection (a)(6)'' and 
        inserting ``subsection (a)(7)''.
        (3) Continuous evaluation.--In carrying out section 47101(a) of 
    title 49, United States Code, as amended by this subsection, the 
    Administrator shall establish a process to continuously track and 
    evaluate ground traffic and air traffic activity and related 
    incidents at airports.
    (b) Runway Safety Council.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a council, 
    to be known as the ``Runway Safety Council'' (in this section 
    referred to as the ``Council''), to develop a systematic management 
    strategy to address airport surface safety risks.
        (2) Duties.--The duties of the Council shall include, at a 
    minimum, advancing the development of risk-based, data driven, 
    integrated systems solutions and strategies to enhance airport 
    surface safety risk mitigation.
        (3) Membership.--
            (A) In general.--In establishing the Council, the 
        Administrator shall appoint at least 1 member from each of the 
        following:
                (i) Airport operators.
                (ii) Air carriers.
                (iii) Aircraft operators.
                (iv) Avionics manufacturers.
                (v) Flight schools.
                (vi) The exclusive collective bargaining representative 
            of aviation safety professionals for the FAA certified 
            under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
                (vii) The exclusive bargaining representative of the 
            air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of 
            title 5, United States Code.
                (viii) Other safety experts the Administrator 
            determines appropriate.
            (B) Additional members.--The Administrator may appoint 
        members representing any other stakeholder organization that 
        the Administrator determines appropriate to the Runway Safety 
        Council.
    (c) Airport Surface Safety Technologies.--
        (1) Identification.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in coordination 
    with the Council, consult with relevant stakeholders to identify 
    technologies, equipment, systems, and process changes, that--
            (A) may provide airport surface surveillance capabilities 
        at airports lacking such capabilities;
            (B) may augment existing airport surface detection and 
        surveillance system; or
            (C) may improve onboard situational awareness for flight 
        crewmembers, including technologies for use in an aircraft 
        that--
                (i) reduce the risk of collision on the runway with 
            other aircraft or vehicles;
                (ii) calculate safe landing distances; and
                (iii) prompt actions to bring the aircraft to a safe 
            stop.
        (2) Criteria.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
            (A) based on the information obtained pursuant to paragraph 
        (1)(A) and (1)(B), identify airport surface detection and 
        surveillance systems that meet the standards of the FAA and may 
        be able to--
                (i) provide airport surface surveillance capabilities 
            at airports lacking such capabilities; or
                (ii) augment existing airport surface detection and 
            surveillance systems, such as Airport Surface Detection 
            System--Model X or the Airport Surface Surveillance 
            Capability;
            (B) establish a timeline and action plan for replacing, 
        maintaining, or enhancing the operational capability provided 
        by existing airport surface detection and surveillance systems, 
        and implementing runway safety technologies at airports without 
        airport surface detection and surveillance systems, as needed, 
        to improve runway safety;
            (C) based on the information obtained pursuant to paragraph 
        (1)(C), identify safety technologies and systems in transport 
        airplanes that meet the standards of the FAA that will--
                (i) enhance runway safety for transport airplanes that 
            lack the capabilities of such technologies and systems, as 
            appropriate; or
                (ii) augment existing onboard situational awareness 
            runway traffic alerting and runway landing safety 
            technologies installed on transport airplanes; and
            (D) establish clear and quantifiable criteria relating to 
        operational factors, including ground traffic and air traffic 
        activity and the rate of runway and terminal airspace safety 
        events (including runway incursions), that determine when the 
        installation and deployment of an airport surface detection or 
        surveillance system, or other runway safety system (including 
        runway status lights), at an airport is required.
        (3) Deployment.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that airport 
    surface detection and surveillance systems are deployed and 
    operational at--
            (A) all airports described in paragraph (2)(A); and
            (B) all medium and large hub airports.
        (4) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
    appropriate committees of Congress on the progress of the 
    deployment described in paragraph (3).
    (d) Foreign Object Debris Detection.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall assess, in 
    coordination with the Council, automated foreign object debris 
    monitoring and detection systems at not less than 3 airports that 
    are using such systems.
        (2) Considerations.--In conducting the assessment under 
    paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider the following:
            (A) The categorization of an airport.
            (B) The potential frequency of foreign object debris 
        incidents on airport runways or adjacent ramp areas.
            (C) The availability of funding for the installation and 
        maintenance of foreign object debris monitoring and detection 
        systems.
            (D) The impact of such systems on the airfield operations 
        of an airport.
            (E) The effectiveness of available foreign object debris 
        monitoring and detection systems.
            (F) Any other factors relevant to assessing the return on 
        investment of foreign object debris monitoring and detection 
        systems.
        (3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
    Administrator and the Council shall consult with manufacturers and 
    suppliers of foreign object debris detection technology and any 
    other relevant stakeholders.
    (e) Runway Safety Study.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into 
    appropriate arrangements with a federally funded research and 
    development center to conduct a study of runway incursions, airport 
    surface incidents, operational errors, or losses of standard 
    separation of aircraft in the approach or departure phase of flight 
    to determine how advanced technologies and future airport 
    development projects may be able to reduce the frequency of such 
    events and enhance aviation safety.
        (2) Considerations.--In conducting the study under paragraph 
    (1), the federally funded research and development center shall--
            (A) examine data relating to recurring runway incursions, 
        surface incidents, operational errors, or losses of standard 
        separation of aircraft in the approach or departure phase of 
        flight at airports to identify the underlying factors that 
        caused such events;
            (B) assess metrics used to identify when such events are 
        increasing at an airport;
            (C) assess available and developmental technologies, 
        including and beyond such technologies considered in subsection 
        (c), that may augment existing air traffic management 
        capabilities of surface surveillance and terminal airspace 
        equipment;
            (D) consider growth trends in airport size, staffing and 
        communication complexities to identify--
                (i) future gaps in information exchange between 
            aerospace stakeholders; and
                (ii) methods for meeting future near real-time 
            information sharing needs; and
            (E) examine airfield safety training programs used by 
        airport tenants and other stakeholders operating on airfields 
        of airports, including airfield familiarization training 
        programs for employees, to assess scalability to handle future 
        growth in airfield capacity and traffic.
        (3) Recommendations.--In conducting the study required by 
    paragraph (1), the federally funded research and development center 
    shall develop recommendations for the strategic planning efforts of 
    the Administration to appropriately maintain surface safety 
    considering future increases in air traffic and based on the 
    considerations described in paragraph (2).
        (4) Report to congress.--Not later than 90 days after the 
    completion of the study required by paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
    Congress a report on the findings of such study and any 
    recommendations developed under paragraph (3).
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Air carrier; foreign air carrier.--The terms ``air 
    carrier'' and ``foreign air carrier'' have the meanings given such 
    terms in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
        (2) Airport surface detection and surveillance system.--The 
    term ``airport surface detection and surveillance system'' means an 
    airport surveillance system that is--
            (A) designed to track surface movement of aircraft and 
        vehicles; or
            (B) capable of alerting air traffic controllers or flight 
        crewmembers of a possible runway incursion, misaligned 
        approach, or other safety event.
        (3) Transport airplane.--The term ``transport airplane'' means 
    a transport category airplane designed for operation by an air 
    carrier or foreign air carrier jet type-certificated with a 
    passenger seating capacity of at least 10 seats or a maximum 
    takeoff weight above 12,500 pounds or an all-cargo or combi 
    derivative of such an airplane.
    SEC. 348. IMPROVEMENTS TO AVIATION SAFETY INFORMATION ANALYSIS AND 
      SHARING PROGRAM.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall implement improvements to the 
Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program with respect 
to safety data sharing and risk mitigation.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall--
        (1) identify methods to increase the rate at which data is 
    collected, processed, and analyzed to expeditiously share safety 
    intelligence;
        (2) develop predictive capabilities to anticipate emerging 
    safety risks;
        (3) identify methods to improve shared data environments with 
    external stakeholders;
        (4) establish a robust process for prioritizing requests for 
    safety information;
        (5) establish guidance to encourage regular safety inspector 
    review of non-confidential aviation safety and performance data;
        (6) identify industry segments not yet included and conduct 
    outreach to such industry segments to increase the rate of 
    participation, including--
            (A) general aviation;
            (B) air transportation and commercial aviation;
            (C) rotorcraft operations;
            (D) air ambulance operations; and
            (E) aviation maintenance;
        (7) establish processes for obtaining and analyzing 
    comprehensive and aggregate data for new and future industry 
    segments; and
        (8) integrate safety data from unmanned aircraft system 
    operators, as appropriate.
    (c) Implementation.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall--
        (1) prioritize production-ready configurable solutions over 
    custom development, as appropriate, to support FAA critical 
    aviation safety programs; and
        (2) ensure that adequate market research is completed in 
    accordance with FAA acquisition management system requirements, 
    including appropriate demonstrations of proposed solutions, as part 
    of the evaluation criteria.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed--
        (1) to require the Administrator to share confidential or 
    proprietary information and data to safety inspectors for purposes 
    of enforcement; or
        (2) to limit the applicability of section 44735 of title 49, 
    United States Code, to the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and 
    Sharing Program.
    (e) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter until the improvements under 
subsection (a) are made, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the progress of implementation of the 
Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program, including--
        (1) an assessment of the progress of the FAA toward achieving 
    milestones for such program identified by the inspector general of 
    the Department of Transportation and the Special Committee to 
    Review FAA Aircraft Certification Reports;
        (2) a description of the plan to use appropriate deployable 
    commercial solutions to assist the FAA in meeting such milestones;
        (3) steps taken to make improvements under subsection (b); and
        (4) a summary of the efforts of the FAA to address gaps in 
    safety data provided from any of the industry segments described in 
    subsection (b)(6).
    SEC. 349. INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS AVIATION 
      RULEMAKING COMMITTEE.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall convene an aviation 
rulemaking committee to review, and develop findings and 
recommendations regarding, instructions for continued airworthiness (as 
described in section 21.50 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations), 
and provide to the Administrator a report on such findings and 
recommendations and for other related purposes as determined by the 
Administrator.
    (b) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee established 
pursuant to subsection (a) shall consist of members appointed by the 
Administrator, including representatives of--
        (1) holders of type certificates (as described in subpart B of 
    part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
        (2) holders of production certificates (as described in subpart 
    G of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
        (3) holders of parts manufacturer approvals (as described in 
    subpart K of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
        (4) holders of technical standard order authorizations (as 
    described in subpart O of part 21, title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations);
        (5) operators under parts 121, 125, or 135 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations;
        (6) holders of repair station certificates (as described in 
    section 145 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) that are not 
    also type certificate holders as included under paragraph (1), 
    production certificate holders as included under paragraph (2), or 
    aircraft operators as included under paragraph (5) (or associated 
    with any such entities);
        (7) the certified bargaining representative of aviation safety 
    inspectors and engineers for the Administration;
        (8) general aviation operators;
        (9) mechanics certificated under part 65 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations;
        (10) holders of supplemental type certificates (as described in 
    subpart E of part 21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
        (11) designated engineering representatives employed by repair 
    stations described in paragraph (6); and
        (12) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
    instructions for continued airworthiness policies and regulations.
    (c) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee established 
pursuant to subsection (a) shall consider--
        (1) existing standards, regulations, certifications, 
    assessments, and guidance related to instructions for continued 
    airworthiness and the clarity of such standards, regulations, 
    certifications, assessments, and guidance to all parties;
        (2) the sufficiency of safety data used in preparing 
    instructions for continued airworthiness;
        (3) the sufficiency of maintenance data used in preparing 
    instructions for continued airworthiness;
        (4) the protection of proprietary information and intellectual 
    property in instructions for continued airworthiness;
        (5) the availability of instructions for continued 
    airworthiness, as needed, for maintenance activities;
        (6) the need to harmonize or deconflict proposed and existing 
    regulations with other Federal regulations, guidance, and policies;
        (7) international collaboration, where appropriate and 
    consistent with the interests of safety in air commerce and 
    national security, with other civil aviation authorities, 
    international aviation and standards organizations, and any other 
    appropriate entities; and
        (8) any other matter the Administrator determines appropriate.
    (d) Duties.--The Administrator shall--
        (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
    Act, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a copy of the 
    aviation rulemaking committee report under subsection (a); and
        (2) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of the 
    report under paragraph (1), initiate a rulemaking activity or make 
    such policy and guidance updates necessary to address any consensus 
    recommendations reached by the aviation rulemaking committee 
    established pursuant to subsection (a), as determined appropriate 
    by the Administrator.
    SEC. 350. SECONDARY COCKPIT BARRIERS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene an aviation 
rulemaking committee to review and develop findings and recommendations 
to require installation of a secondary cockpit barrier on commercial 
passenger aircraft operated under the provisions of part 121 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations, that are not captured under another 
regulation or proposed regulation.
    (b) Membership.--The Administrator shall appoint a chair and 
members of the rulemaking committee convened under subsection (a), 
which shall be comprised of at least 1 representative from the 
constituencies of--
        (1) mainline air carriers;
        (2) regional air carriers;
        (3) aircraft manufacturers;
        (4) passenger aircraft pilots represented by a labor group;
        (5) flight attendants represented by a labor group;
        (6) airline passengers; and
        (7) other stakeholders the Administrator determines 
    appropriate.
    (c) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee convened 
under subsection (a) shall consider--
        (1) minimum dimension requirements for secondary barriers on 
    all aircraft types operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations;
        (2) secondary barrier performance standards manufacturers and 
    air carriers must meet for such aircraft types;
        (3) the availability of certified secondary barriers suitable 
    for use on such aircraft types;
        (4) the development, certification, testing, manufacturing, 
    installation, and training for secondary barriers for such aircraft 
    types;
        (5) flight duration and stage length;
        (6) the location of lavatories on such aircraft as related to 
    operational complexities;
        (7) operational complexities;
        (8) any risks to safely evacuate passengers of such aircraft; 
    and
        (9) other considerations the Administrator determines 
    appropriate.
    (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 12 months after the 
convening of the aviation rulemaking committee described in subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report based on the findings and recommendations of the 
aviation rulemaking committee convened under subsection (a), 
including--
        (1) if applicable, any dissenting positions on the findings and 
    the rationale for each position; and
        (2) any disagreements with the recommendations, including the 
    rationale for each disagreement and the reasons for the 
    disagreement.
    (e) Installation of Secondary Cockpit Barriers of Existing 
Aircraft.--Not later than 36 months after the date of the submission of 
the report under subsection (d), the Administrator shall, taking into 
consideration the final reported findings and recommendations of the 
aviation rulemaking committee, issue a final rule requiring 
installation of a secondary cockpit barrier on each commercial 
passenger aircraft operated under the provisions of part 121 of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 351. PART 135 DUTY AND REST.
    (a) Part 91 Tail-end Ferry Rulemaking.--Not later than 3 years 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
require that any operation conducted by a flight crewmember during an 
assigned duty period under the operational control of an operator 
holding a certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, before, during, or after the duty period (including any 
operations under part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations), 
without an intervening rest period, shall count towards the flight time 
and duty period limitations of such flight crewmember under part 135 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Record Keeping.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall update any 
Administration policy and guidance regarding complete and accurate 
record keeping practices for operators holding a certificate under part 
135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, in order to properly 
document, at a minimum--
        (1) flight crew assignments;
        (2) flight crew prospective rest notifications;
        (3) compliance with flight and duty times limitations and post-
    duty rest requirements; and
        (4) duty period start and end times.
    (c) Safety Management System Oversight.--The Administrator, in 
performing oversight of the safety management system of an operator 
holding a certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, following the implementation of the final rule issued 
based on the final rule titled ``Safety Management Systems'', and 
published on April 26, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 33068), shall ensure such 
operator is evaluating and appropriately mitigating aviation safety 
risks, including, at minimum, risks associated with--
        (1) inadequate flight crewmember duty and rest periods; and
        (2) incomplete records pertaining to flight crew rest, duty, 
    and flight times.
    (d) Organ Transportation Flights.--In updating guidance and policy 
pursuant to subsection (b), the Administrator shall consider and allow 
for appropriate accommodations, including accommodations related to 
subsections (b)(2) and (b)(4) for operators--
        (1) performing organ transportation operations; and
        (2) who have in place a means by which to identify and mitigate 
    risks associated with flight crew duty and rest.
    SEC. 352. FLIGHT DATA RECOVERY FROM OVERWATER OPERATIONS.
    (a) Flight Data Recovery From Overwater Operations.--Chapter 447 of 
title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end 
the following:
``Sec. 44746. Flight data recovery from overwater operations
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall complete a rulemaking proceeding to require that, 
not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this section, all 
applicable aircraft are--
        ``(1) fitted with a means, in the event of an accident, to 
    recover mandatory flight data parameters in a manner that does not 
    require the underwater retrieval of the cockpit voice recorder or 
    flight data recorder;
        ``(2) equipped with a tamper-resistant method to broadcast 
    sufficient information to a ground station to establish the 
    location where an applicable aircraft terminates flight as the 
    result of such an event; and
        ``(3) equipped with an airframe low-frequency underwater 
    locating device that functions for at least 90 days and that can be 
    detected by appropriate equipment.
    ``(b) Applicable Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term 
`applicable aircraft' means an aircraft manufactured on or after 
January 1, 2028, that is--
        ``(1) operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations;
        ``(2) required by regulation to have a cockpit voice recorder 
    and a flight data recorder; and
        ``(3) used in extended overwater operations.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``44746. Flight data recovery from overwater operations.''.
    SEC. 353. RAMP WORKER SAFETY CALL TO ACTION.
    (a) Call to Action Ramp Worker Safety Review.--Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
initiate a Call to Action safety review of airport ramp worker safety 
and ways to minimize or eliminate ingestion zone and jet blast zone 
accidents.
    (b) Contents.--The Call to Action safety review required pursuant 
to subsection (a) shall include--
        (1) a description of Administration regulations, guidance, and 
    directives related to airport ramp worker safety procedures and 
    oversight of such processes;
        (2) a description of reportable accidents and incidents 
    involving airport ramp workers in 5-year period preceding the date 
    of enactment of this Act, including any identified contributing 
    factors to the reportable accident or incident;
        (3) training and related educational materials for airport ramp 
    workers, including supervisory and contract employees;
        (4) any recommended devices and methods for communication on 
    the airport ramp, including considerations of requirements for 
    operable radios and headsets;
        (5) a review of markings on the airport ramp that define 
    restriction, staging, safety, or hazard zones, including markings 
    to clearly define and graphically indicate the engine ingestion 
    zones and envelope of safety for the variety of aircraft that may 
    park at the same gate of the airport;
        (6) a review of aircraft jet blast and engine intake safety 
    markings, including incorporation of markings on aircraft to 
    indicate engine inlet danger zones; and
        (7) a process for stakeholders, including airlines, aircraft 
    manufacturers, airports, labor, and aviation safety experts, to 
    provide feedback and share best practices.
    (c) Report and Actions.--Not later than 180 days after the 
conclusion of the Call to Action safety review pursuant to subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall--
        (1) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
    on the results of the review and any recommendations for actions or 
    best practices to improve airport ramp worker safety, including the 
    identification of risks and possible ways to mitigate such risks to 
    be considered in any applicable safety management system of air 
    carriers and airports; and
        (2) initiate such actions as are necessary to act upon the 
    findings of the review.
    (d) Training Materials.--Not later than 6 months after the 
completion of the safety review required under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall develop and publish training and related 
educational materials about aircraft engine ingestion and jet blast 
hazards for ground crews, including supervisory and contract employees, 
that includes information on--
        (1) the specific dangers and consequences of entering engine 
    ingestion or jet blast zones;
        (2) proper protocols to avoid entering an engine ingestion or 
    jet blast zone; and
        (3) on-the-job, instructor-led training to physically 
    demonstrate the engine ingestion zone boundaries and jet blast 
    zones for each kind of aircraft the ground crew may encounter.
    (e) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator 
shall consult with aviation safety experts, air carriers, aircraft 
manufacturers, relevant labor organizations, and airport operators.
    (f) Training Requirements.--Not later than 6 months after the 
publication of the training and related educational materials required 
under subsection (d), the Administrator may require any ramp worker, as 
appropriate, to receive the relevant engine ingestion and jet blast 
zone hazard training before such ramp worker may perform work on any 
airport ramp.
    SEC. 354. VOLUNTARY REPORTING PROTECTIONS.
    (a) In General.--Section 40123(a) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
        (1) by inserting ``, including section 552(b)(3)(B) of title 
    5'' after ``Notwithstanding any other provision of law''; and
        (2) by inserting ``or third party'' after ``nor any agency''.
    (b) Review of Protection From Disclosure.--Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall review 
and update part 193 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and 
review section 44735 of title 49, United States Code, to ensure such 
laws and regulations designate and protect from disclosure information 
or data submitted, collected, or obtained by the Administrator under 
voluntary safety programs, including the following:
        (1) Aviation Safety Action Program.
        (2) Flight Operational Quality Assurance.
        (3) Line Operations Safety Assessments.
        (4) Air Traffic Safety Action Program.
        (5) Technical Operations Safety Action Program.
        (6) Such other voluntarily submitted information or programs as 
    the Administrator determines appropriate.
    SEC. 355. TOWER MARKING NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking to implement section 2110 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44718 note).
    (b) Report.--If the Administrator fails to issue the notice of 
proposed rulemaking pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator shall 
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an annual report on 
the status of such rulemaking, including--
        (1) the reasons that the Administrator has failed to issue the 
    rulemaking; and
        (2) a list of fatal aircraft accidents associated with unmarked 
    towers that have occurred during the 5-year period preceding the 
    date of submission of the report.
    SEC. 356. PROMOTION OF CIVIL AERONAUTICS AND SAFETY OF AIR 
      COMMERCE.
    Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``In carrying out'' and all 
    that follows through ``other interested organizations.'';
        (2) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
        (3) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (d); and
        (4) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b) and 
    reordering the subsections accordingly.
    SEC. 357. EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
    (a) In General.--Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after subsection (b) (as redesignated by section 
356) the following:
    ``(c) Educational and Professional Development.--
        ``(1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
    Administrator shall support and undertake efforts to promote and 
    support the education and professional development of current and 
    future aerospace professionals.
        ``(2) Educational materials.--Based on the availability of 
    resources, the Administrator shall--
            ``(A) develop and distribute civil aviation information and 
        educational materials; and
            ``(B) provide expertise to State and local school 
        administrators, college and university officials, and officers 
        of other interested organizations and entities.
        ``(3) Content.--In developing the educational materials under 
    paragraph (2), the Administrator shall ensure such materials, 
    including presentations, cover topics of broad relevance, 
    including--
            ``(A) ethical decision-making and the responsibilities of 
        aerospace professionals;
            ``(B) managing a workforce, encouraging proper reporting of 
        prospective safety issues, and educating employees on safety 
        management systems; and
            ``(C) responsibilities as a designee or representative of 
        the Administrator.''.
    (b) Support for Professional Development and Continuing 
Education.--The Administrator may take such action as may be necessary 
to support or launch initiatives that seek to advance the professional 
development and continuing education of aerospace professionals.
    SEC. 358. GLOBAL AVIATION SAFETY.
    (a) In General.--Section 40104(d) of title 49, United States Code, 
(as redesignated by section 356) is amended--
        (1) in the subsection heading by inserting ``and Assistance'' 
    after ``International Role'';
        (2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``The Administrator'' and 
    inserting ``In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator'';
        (3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); and
        (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
        ``(2) International presence.--The Administrator shall maintain 
    an international presence to--
            ``(A) assist foreign civil aviation authorities in--
                ``(i) establishing robust aviation oversight practices 
            and policies;
                ``(ii) harmonizing international aviation standards for 
            air traffic management, operator certification, aircraft 
            certification, airports, and certificated or credentialed 
            individuals;
                ``(iii) validating and accepting foreign aircraft 
            design and production approvals;
                ``(iv) preparing for new aviation technologies, 
            including powered-lift aircraft, products, and articles; 
            and
                ``(v) appropriately adopting continuing airworthiness 
            information, such as airworthiness directives;
            ``(B) encourage the adoption of United States standards, 
        regulations, and policies;
            ``(C) establish, maintain, and update bilateral or 
        multilateral aviation safety agreements and the aviation safety 
        information contained within such agreements;
            ``(D) engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions as 
        required under paragraph (5) and provide technical assistance 
        as described in paragraph (6);
            ``(E) validate foreign aviation products and ensure 
        reciprocal validation of products for which the United States 
        is the state of design or production;
            ``(F) support accident and incident investigations, 
        particularly such investigations that involve United States 
        persons and certified products and such investigations where 
        the National Transportation Safety Board is supporting an 
        investigation pursuant to annex 13 of the International Civil 
        Aviation Organization;
            ``(G) support the international safety activities of the 
        United States aviation sector;
            ``(H) maintain valuable relationships with entities with 
        aviation equities, including civil aviation authorities, other 
        governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and 
        foreign manufacturers; and
            ``(I) perform other activities as determined necessary by 
        the Administrator.''.
    (b) Review of International Field Offices.--Section 40104(d) of 
title 49, United States Code, (as redesignated by section 356) is 
further amended by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
        ``(3) International offices.--In carrying out the 
    responsibilities described in subsection (a), the Administrator--
            ``(A) shall maintain international offices of the 
        Administration;
            ``(B) every 5 years, may review existing international 
        offices to determine--
                ``(i) the effectiveness of such offices in fulfilling 
            the mission described in paragraph (2); and
                ``(ii) the adequacy of resources and staffing to 
            achieve the mission described in paragraph (2); and
            ``(C) shall establish offices to address gaps identified by 
        the review under subparagraph (B) and in furtherance of the 
        mission described in paragraph (2), putting an emphasis on 
        establishing such offices--
                ``(i) where international civil aviation authorities 
            are located;
                ``(ii) where regional intergovernmental organizations 
            are located;
                ``(iii) in countries that have difficulty maintaining a 
            category 1 classification through the International 
            Aviation Safety Assessment program; and
                ``(iv) in regions that have experienced substantial 
            growth in aviation operations or manufacturing.''.
    (c) Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements; Technical Assistance.--
        (1) Establishment.--Section 40104(d) of title 49, United States 
    Code, (as redesignated by section 356) is further amended by adding 
    at the end the following:
        ``(5) Bilateral aviation safety agreements.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall negotiate, enter 
        into, promote, enforce, evaluate the effectiveness of, and seek 
        to update bilateral or multilateral aviation safety agreements, 
        and the parts of such agreements, with international aviation 
        authorities.
            ``(B) Purpose.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into 
        bilateral aviation safety agreements under this section to, at 
        a minimum--
                ``(i) improve global aviation safety;
                ``(ii) increase harmonization of, and reduce 
            duplicative, requirements, processes, and approvals to 
            advance the aviation interests of the United States;
                ``(iii) ensure access to international markets for 
            operators, service providers, and manufacturers from the 
            United States; and
                ``(iv) put in place procedures for recourse when a 
            party to such agreements fails to meet the obligations of 
            such party under such agreements.
            ``(C) Scope.--The scope of a bilateral aviation safety 
        agreement entered into under this section shall, as 
        appropriate, cover existing aviation users and concepts and 
        establish a process by which bilateral aviation safety 
        agreements can be updated to include new and novel concepts on 
        an ongoing basis.
            ``(D) Contents.--Bilateral aviation safety agreements 
        entered into under this section shall, as appropriate and 
        consistent with United States law and regulation, include 
        topics such as--
                ``(i) airworthiness, certification, and validation;
                ``(ii) maintenance;
                ``(iii) operations and pilot training;
                ``(iv) airspace access, efficiencies, and navigation 
            services;
                ``(v) transport category aircraft;
                ``(vi) fixed-wing aircraft, rotorcraft, powered-lift 
            aircraft, products, and articles;
                ``(vii) aerodrome certification;
                ``(viii) unmanned aircraft and associated elements of 
            such aircraft;
                ``(ix) flight simulation training devices;
                ``(x) new or emerging technologies and technology 
            trends; and
                ``(xi) other topics as determined appropriate by the 
            Administrator.
            ``(E) Rule of construction.--Bilateral or multilateral 
        aviation safety agreements entered into under this subsection 
        shall not be construed to diminish or alter any authority of 
        the Administrator under any other provision of law.''.
        (2) Technical assistance updates.--Section 40113(e) of title 
    49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
    following:
        ``(6) Technical assistance outside of agreements.--In the 
    absence of a bilateral or multilateral agreement, the Administrator 
    may provide technical assistance and training under this subsection 
    if the Administrator determines that--
            ``(A) a foreign government would benefit from technical 
        assistance pursuant to this subsection to strengthen aviation 
        safety, efficiency, and security; and
            ``(B) the engagement is to provide inherently governmental 
        technical assistance and training.
        ``(7) Inherently governmental technical assistance and training 
    defined.--In this subsection, the term `inherently governmental 
    technical assistance and training' means technical assistance and 
    training that--
            ``(A) relies upon or incorporates Federal Aviation 
        Administration-specific program, system, policy, or procedural 
        matters;
            ``(B) must be accomplished using agency expertise and 
        authority; and
            ``(C) relates to--
                ``(i) international aviation safety assessment 
            technical reviews and technical assistance;
                ``(ii) aerodrome safety and certification;
                ``(iii) aviation system certification activities based 
            on Federal Aviation Administration regulations and 
            requirements;
                ``(iv) cybersecurity efforts to protect United States 
            aviation ecosystem components and facilities;
                ``(v) operation and maintenance of air navigation 
            system equipment, procedures, and personnel; or
                ``(vi) training and exercises in support of aviation 
            safety, efficiency, and security.''.
        (3) Validation of powered-lift aircraft.--In carrying out 
    section 40104(d) of title 49, United States Code (as amended by 
    this Act), the Administrator shall ensure coordination with 
    international civil aviation authorities regarding the 
    establishment of mutual processes for efficient validation, 
    acceptance, and working arrangements of certificates and approvals 
    for powered-lift aircraft, products, and articles.
        (4) Report on international validation program performance.--
            (A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a review to 
        evaluate the performance of the type certificate validation 
        program of the FAA under bilateral or multilateral aviation 
        safety agreements, with a focus on agreed to implementation 
        procedures.
            (B) Contents.--In conducting the review under subparagraph 
        (A), the Secretary shall consider, at minimum, the following:
                (i) Actions taken for the purposes of carrying out 
            section 243(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
            U.S.C. 44701 note).
                (ii) Metrics from validation programs carried out prior 
            to the initiation of such review, including the number and 
            types of projects, timeline milestones, and trends relating 
            to the repeated use of non-basic criteria.
                (iii) Training on the minimum standards of established 
            validation work plans, including any guidance on the level 
            of involvement of the validating authority, established 
            justifications for involvement, and procedures for 
            compliance document requests.
                (iv) The perspectives of--

                    (I) FAA employees responsible for type validation 
                projects;
                    (II) bilateral civil aviation regulatory partners; 
                and
                    (III) industry applicants seeking validation.

                (v) Adequacy of the funding and staffing levels of the 
            International Validation Branch of the Compliance and 
            Airworthiness Division of the Aircraft Certification 
            Service of the FAA.
                (vi) Effectiveness of FAA training for FAA employees.
                (vii) Effectiveness of outreach conducted to improve 
            and enforce validation processes.
                (viii) Efforts undertaken to strengthen relationships 
            with international certification authorities.
                (ix) Number of approvals issued by other certifying 
            authorities in compliance with applicable bilateral 
            agreements and implementation procedures.
            (C) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the completion of 
        the review initiated under this subsection, the Administrator 
        shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
        regarding such review.
            (D) Definitions.--In this paragraph, the terms ``ODA 
        holder'' and ``ODA unit'' have the meanings given such terms in 
        section 44736(c) of title 49, United States Code.
    (d) International Engagement Strategy.--Section 40104(d) of title 
49, United States Code, (as redesignated by section 356) is further 
amended by adding at the end the following:
        ``(7) Strategic plan.--The Administrator shall maintain a 
    strategic plan for the international engagement of the 
    Administration that includes--
            ``(A) all elements of the report required under section 
        243(b) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44701 
        note);
            ``(B) measures to fulfill the mission described in 
        paragraph (2);
            ``(C) initiatives to attain greater expertise among 
        employees of the Federal Aviation Administration in issues 
        related to dispute resolution, intellectual property, and 
        export control laws;
            ``(D) policy regarding the future direction and strategy of 
        the United States engagement with the International Civil 
        Aviation Organization;
            ``(E) procedures for acceptance of mandatory airworthiness 
        information, such as airworthiness directives, and other 
        safety-related regulatory documents, including procedures to 
        implement the requirements of section 44701(e)(5);
            ``(F) all factors, including funding and resourcing, 
        necessary for the Administration to maintain leadership in the 
        global activities related to aviation safety and air 
        transportation;
            ``(G) establishment of, and a process to regularly track 
        and update, metrics to measure the effectiveness of, and 
        foreign civil aviation authority compliance with, bilateral 
        aviation safety agreements; and
            ``(H) a strategic methodology to facilitate the ability of 
        the United States aerospace industry to efficiently operate and 
        export new aerospace technologies, products, and articles in 
        key markets globally.''.
    (e) Powered-lift Aircraft.--In developing the methodology required 
under section 40104(d)(7)(H) of title 49, United States Code (as added 
by subsection (d)), the Administrator shall--
        (1) perform an assessment of existing bilateral aviation safety 
    agreements, implementation procedures, and other associated 
    bilateral arrangements to determine how current and future powered-
    lift products and articles can utilize the most appropriate 
    validation mechanisms and procedures;
        (2) facilitate global acceptance of the approach of the FAA to 
    certification of powered-lift aircraft, products, and articles; and
        (3) consider any other information determined appropriated by 
    the Administrator.
    SEC. 359. AVAILABILITY OF PERSONNEL FOR INSPECTIONS, SITE VISITS, 
      AND TRAINING.
    Section 40104 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended 
by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Travel.--The Administrator and the Secretary of 
Transportation shall, in carrying out the responsibilities described in 
subsection (a), delegate to the appropriate supervisors of offices of 
the Administration the ability to authorize the domestic and 
international travel of relevant personnel who are not in the Federal 
Aviation Administration Executive System, without any additional 
approvals required, for the purposes of--
        ``(1) promoting aviation safety, aircraft operations, air 
    traffic, airport, unmanned aircraft systems, aviation fuels, and 
    other aviation standards, regulations, and initiatives adopted by 
    the United States;
        ``(2) facilitating the adoption of United States approaches on 
    such aviation standards and recommended practices at the 
    International Civil Aviation Organization;
        ``(3) supporting the acceptance of Administration design and 
    production approvals by other civil aviation authorities;
        ``(4) training Administration personnel and training provided 
    to other persons;
        ``(5) engaging with regulated entities, including performing 
    site visits;
        ``(6) activities associated with subsections (c) through (e); 
    and
        ``(7) other activities as determined by the Administrator.''.
    SEC. 360. WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, to ensure that sufficient firefighting resources 
are available to suppress wildfires and protect public safety and 
property, and notwithstanding any other provision of law or agency 
regulation, the Administrator shall issue a rule under which--
        (1) an operation described in section 21.25(b)(7) of title 14, 
    Code of Federal Regulations, shall allow for the transport of 
    firefighters to and from the site of a wildfire to perform ground 
    wildfire suppression and designate the firefighters conducting such 
    an operation as essential crewmembers on board a covered aircraft 
    operated on a mission to suppress wildfire;
        (2) the aircraft maintenance, inspections, and pilot training 
    requirements under part 135 of such title 14 may apply to such an 
    operation, if determined by the Administrator to be necessary to 
    maintain the safety of firefighters carrying out wildfire 
    suppression missions; and
        (3) the noise standards described in part 36 of such title 14 
    shall not apply to such an operation.
    (b) Surplus Military Aircraft.--In issuing a rule under subsection 
(a), the Administrator may not enable any aircraft of a type that has 
been--
        (1) manufactured in accordance with the requirements of, and 
    accepted for use by, the armed forces (as defined in section 101 of 
    title 10, United States Code); and
        (2) later modified to be used for wildfire suppression 
    operations.
    (c) Conforming Amendments to FAA Documents.--In issuing a rule 
under subsection (a), the Administrator shall revise the order of the 
FAA titled ``Restricted Category Type Certification'', issued on 
February 27, 2006 (FAA Order 8110.56), as well as any corresponding 
policy or guidance material, to reflect the requirements of this 
section.
    (d) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
to limit the authority of the Administrator to take action otherwise 
authorized by law to protect aviation safety or passenger safety.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Covered aircraft.--The term ``covered aircraft'' means an 
    aircraft type-certificated in the restricted category under section 
    21.25 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, used for 
    transporting firefighters to and from the site of a wildfire in 
    order to perform ground wildfire suppression for the purpose of 
    extinguishing a wildfire on behalf of, or pursuant to a contract 
    with, a Federal, State, or local government agency.
        (2) Firefighters.--The term ``firefighters'' means a trained 
    fire suppression professional the transport of whom is necessary to 
    accomplish a wildfire suppression operation.
    SEC. 361. CONTINUOUS AIRCRAFT TRACKING AND TRANSMISSION FOR HIGH 
      ALTITUDE BALLOONS.
    (a) Study on Effects of High Altitude Balloons on Aviation 
Safety.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the 
    heads of other relevant Federal agencies, shall brief the 
    appropriate committees of Congress on the effects of high altitude 
    balloon operations that do not emit electronic or radio signals for 
    identification purposes and are launched within the United States 
    and the territories of the United States on aviation safety.
        (2) Considerations.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
    Administrator shall consider--
            (A) current technology available and employed to track high 
        altitude balloon operations described under paragraph (1);
            (B) how the flights of such operations have affected, or 
        could affect, aviation safety;
            (C) how such operations have contributed, or could 
        contribute, to misidentified threats to civil or military 
        aviation operations or infrastructure; and
            (D) how such operations have impacted, or could impact, 
        national security and air traffic control operations.
    (b) High Altitude Balloon Tracking Aviation Rulemaking Committee.--
        (1) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an 
    Aviation Rulemaking Committee (in this section referred to as the 
    ``Committee'') to review and develop findings and recommendations 
    to inform a standard for any high altitude balloon to be equipped 
    with a system for continuous aircraft tracking that transmits, at a 
    minimum, the altitude, location, and identity of the high altitude 
    balloon in a manner that is accessible to air traffic controllers 
    and ensures the safe integration of high altitude balloons into the 
    national airspace system.
        (2) Composition.--The Committee shall consist of members 
    appointed by the Administrator, including the following:
            (A) Representatives of industry.
            (B) Aviation safety experts, including experts with 
        specific knowledge--
                (i) of high altitude balloon operations; or
                (ii) FAA tracking and surveillance systems.
            (C) Non-governmental researchers and educators.
            (D) Representatives of the Department of Defense.
            (E) Representatives of Federal agencies that conduct high 
        altitude balloon operations.
        (3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Committee shall submit to the 
    Administrator a report detailing the findings and recommendations 
    developed under paragraph (1), including recommendations regarding 
    the following:
            (A) How to update sections 91.215, 91.225, and 99.13 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to require all high 
        altitude balloons to have a continuous aircraft tracking and 
        transmission system.
            (B) Any necessary updates to the requirements for high 
        altitude balloons under subpart D of part 101 of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations.
            (C) Any necessary updates to other FAA regulations or 
        requirements deemed appropriate and necessary by the 
        Administrator to--
                (i) ensure any high altitude balloon has a continuous 
            aircraft tracking and transmission system;
                (ii) ensure all data relating to the altitude, 
            location, and identity of any high altitude balloon is made 
            available to air traffic controllers;
                (iii) determine criteria and provide approval guidance 
            for new equipment that provides continuous aircraft 
            tracking and transmission for high altitude balloons and 
            meets the performance requirements described under section 
            91.225 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, including 
            portable, battery-powered Automatic Dependent Surveillance-
            Broadcast Out equipage; and
                (iv) maintain airspace safety.
        (4) Use of prior work.--In developing the report under 
    paragraph (3), the Committee may make full use of any research, 
    comments, data, findings, or recommendations made by any prior 
    aviation rulemaking committee.
        (5) New technologies and solutions.--Nothing in this subsection 
    shall require the Committee to develop recommendations requiring 
    equipage of high altitude balloons with an Automatic Dependent 
    Surveillance-Broadcast Out system or an air traffic control 
    transponder transmission system, or preclude the Committee from 
    making recommendations for the adoption of new systems or solutions 
    that may require that a high altitude balloon be equipped with a 
    system that can transmit, at a minimum, the altitude, location, and 
    identity of the high altitude balloon.
        (6) Briefing.--Not later than 6 months after receiving the 
    report required under paragraph (3), the Administrator shall brief 
    the appropriate committees of Congress on the contents of such 
    report and the status of any recommendation received pursuant to 
    such report.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section, the term ``high altitude 
balloon'' means a manned or unmanned free balloon operating not less 
than 18,000 feet above mean sea level.
    SEC. 362. CABIN AIR SAFETY.
    (a) Deadline for 2018 Study on Bleed Air.--Not later than 6 months 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
complete the requirements of section 326 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) and submit to the appropriate 
Congressional committees the following:
        (1) The completed study required under subsection (c) of such 
    section.
        (2) The report on the feasibility, efficacy, and cost-
    effectiveness of certification and installation of systems to 
    evaluate bleed air quality required under subsection (d) of such 
    section.
    (b) Reporting System for Smoke or Fume Events Onboard Commercial 
Aircraft.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a 
    standardized submission system for air carrier employees to 
    voluntarily report fume or smoke events onboard passenger-carrying 
    aircraft operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations.
        (2) Collected information.--In developing the system under 
    paragraph (1), the Administrator shall ensure that the system 
    includes a method for submitting information about a smoke or fume 
    event that allows for the collection of the following information, 
    if applicable:
            (A) Identification of the flight number, type, and 
        registration of the aircraft.
            (B) The date of the reported fume or smoke event onboard 
        the aircraft.
            (C) Description of fumes or smoke in the aircraft, 
        including the nature, intensity, and visual consistency or 
        smell (if any).
            (D) The location of the fumes or smoke in the aircraft.
            (E) The source (if discernible) of the fumes or smoke in 
        the aircraft.
            (F) The phase of flight during which fumes or smoke first 
        became present.
            (G) The duration of the fume or smoke event.
            (H) Any required onboard medical attention for passengers 
        or crew members.
            (I) Any additional factors as determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator or crew member submitting a report.
        (3) Guidelines for submission.--The Administrator shall issue 
    guidelines on how to submit the information described in paragraph 
    (2).
        (4) Confirmation of submission.--Upon submitting the 
    information described in paragraph (2), the submitting party shall 
    receive a duplicate record of the submission and confirmation of 
    receipt.
        (5) Use of information.--The Administrator--
            (A) may not publicly publish any--
                (i) information specific to a fume or smoke event that 
            is submitted pursuant to this section; and
                (ii) any information that may be used to identify the 
            party submitting such information;
            (B) may only publicly publish information submitted 
        pursuant to this section that has been aggregated if--
                (i) such information has been validated; and
                (ii) the availability of such information would improve 
            aviation safety;
            (C) shall maintain a database of such information;
            (D) at the request of an air carrier, shall provide to such 
        air carrier any information submitted pursuant to this section 
        that is relevant to such air carrier, except any information 
        that may be used to identify the party submitting such 
        information;
            (E) may not, without validation, assume that information 
        submitted pursuant to this section is accurate for the purposes 
        of initiating rulemaking or taking an enforcement action;
            (F) may use information submitted pursuant to this section 
        to inform the oversight of the safety management system of an 
        air carrier; and
            (G) may use information submitted pursuant to this section 
        for the purpose of performing a study or supporting a study 
        sponsored by the Administrator.
    (c) National Academies Study on Overall Cabin Air Quality.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into 
    the appropriate arrangements with the National Academies to conduct 
    a study and issue recommendations to be made publicly available 
    pertaining to cabin air quality and any risk of, and potential for, 
    persistent and accidental fume or smoke events onboard a passenger-
    carrying aircraft operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations.
        (2) Scope.--In carrying out a study pursuant to paragraph (1), 
    the National Academies shall examine--
            (A) the report issued pursuant to section 326 of the FAA 
        Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) and any 
        identified assumptions or gaps described in such report;
            (B) the information collected through the system 
        established pursuant to subsection (b);
            (C) any health risks or impacts of fume or smoke events on 
        flight crews, including flight attendants and pilots, and 
        passengers onboard aircraft operating under part 121 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations;
            (D) instances of persistent or regularly occurring (as 
        determined by the National Academies) fume or smoke events in 
        such aircraft;
            (E) instances of accidental, unexpected, or irregularly 
        occurring (as determined by the National Academies) fume or 
        smoke events on such aircraft, including whether such 
        accidental events are more frequent during various phases of 
        operations, including ground operations, taxiing, take off, 
        cruise, and landing;
            (F) the air contaminants present during the instances 
        described in subparagraphs (D) and (E) and the probable 
        originating materials of such air contaminants;
            (G) the frequencies, durations, and likely causes of the 
        instances described in subparagraphs (D) and (E); and
            (H) any additional data on fume or smoke events, as 
        determined appropriate by the National Academies.
        (3) Recommendations.--As a part of the study conducted under 
    paragraph (1), the National Academies shall provide 
    recommendations--
            (A) that, at minimum, address how to--
                (i) improve overall cabin air quality of passenger-
            carrying aircraft;
                (ii) improve the detection, accuracy, and reporting of 
            fume or smoke events; and
                (iii) reduce the frequency and impact of fume or smoke 
            events; and
            (B) to establish or update standards, guidelines, or 
        regulations that could help achieve the recommendations 
        described in subparagraph (A).
        (4) Report to congress.--Not later than 1 month after the 
    completion of the study conducted under paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
    Congress a copy of such study and recommendations submitted with 
    such study.
    (d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the completion of the 
study conducted under subsection (c), the Administrator may, as 
appropriate to address the safety risks identified as a result of the 
actions taken pursuant to this section, issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking to establish requirements for scheduled passenger air 
carrier operations under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations that may include the following:
        (1) Training for flight attendants, pilots, aircraft 
    maintenance technicians, airport first responders, and emergency 
    responders on how to respond to incidents on aircraft involving 
    fume or smoke events.
        (2) Required actions and procedures for air carriers to take 
    after receiving a report of an incident involving a fume or smoke 
    event in which at least 1 passenger or crew member required medical 
    attention as a result of such incident.
        (3) Installation onboard aircraft of detectors and other air 
    quality monitoring equipment.
    (e) Fume or Smoke Event Defined.--In this section, the term ``fume 
or smoke event'' means an event in which there is an atypical 
noticeable or persistent presence of fumes or air contaminants in the 
cabin, including, at a minimum, a smoke event.
    SEC. 363. COMMERCIAL AIR TOUR AND SPORT PARACHUTING SAFETY.
    (a) Safety Requirements for Commercial Air Tour Operators.--
        (1) Safety reforms.--
            (A) Authority to conduct nonstop commercial air tours.--
                (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), beginning on 
            the date that is 2 years after the date a final rule is 
            published pursuant to paragraph (3), no person may conduct 
            commercial air tours unless such person either--

                    (I) holds a certificate identifying the person as 
                an air carrier or commercial operator under part 119 of 
                title 14, Code of Federal Regulations and conducts all 
                commercial air tours under the applicable provisions of 
                part 121 or part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations; or
                    (II) conducts all commercial air tours pursuant to 
                the requirements established by the Administrator under 
                the final rule published pursuant to paragraph (3).

                (ii) Small business exception.--The provisions of 
            clause (i) shall not apply to a person who conducts 100 or 
            fewer commercial air tours in a calendar year.
            (B) Additional safety requirements.--
                (i) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date 
            of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue new 
            or revised regulations to require a commercial air tour 
            operator seeking to conduct an operation with a removed or 
            modified door and a person conducting aerial photography 
            operations seeking to conduct an operation with a removed 
            or modified door to receive approval from the Administrator 
            prior to conducting such operation.
                (ii) Conditions and restrictions.--In issuing new or 
            revised regulations under clause (i), the Administrator may 
            impose such conditions and restrictions as determined 
            necessary for safety.
                (iii) Considerations.--In issuing new or revised 
            regulations under clause (i), the Administrator shall 
            require a commercial air tour operator to demonstrate to 
            any representative of the FAA, upon request, that a pilot 
            authorized to operate such an air tour has received 
            avoidance training for controlled flight into terrain and 
            in-flight loss of control. Such training shall address 
            reducing the risk of accidents involving unintentional 
            flight into instrument meteorological conditions to address 
            day, night, and low-visibility environments with special 
            attention paid to research available as of the date of 
            enactment of this Act on human factors issues involved in 
            such accidents, including, at a minimum--

                    (I) specific terrain, weather, and infrastructure 
                challenges relevant in the local operating environment 
                that increase the risk of such accidents;
                    (II) pilot decision-making relevant to the 
                avoidance of instrument meteorological conditions while 
                operating under visual flight rules;
                    (III) use of terrain awareness displays;
                    (IV) spatial disorientation risk factors and 
                countermeasures; and
                    (V) strategies for maintaining control, including 
                the use of automated systems.

        (2) Aviation rulemaking committee.--
            (A) In general.--The Administrator shall convene an 
        aviation rulemaking committee to review and develop findings 
        and recommendations to increase the safety of commercial air 
        tours.
            (B) Considerations.--The aviation rulemaking committee 
        convened under subparagraph (A) shall consider, at a minimum--
                (i) potential changes to operations regulations or 
            requirements for commercial air tours, including 
            requiring--

                    (I) the adoption of pilot training standards that 
                are comparable, as applicable, to the standards under 
                subpart H of part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations; and
                    (II) the adoption of maintenance standards that are 
                comparable, as applicable, to the standards under 
                subpart J of part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations;

                (ii) establishing a performance-based standard for 
            flight data monitoring for all commercial air tour 
            operators that reviews all available data sources to 
            identify deviations from established areas of operation and 
            potential safety issues;
                (iii) requiring all commercial air tour operators to 
            install flight data recording devices capable of supporting 
            collection and dissemination of the data incorporated in 
            the Flight Operational Quality Assurance Program under 
            section 13.401 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations 
            (or, if an aircraft cannot be retrofitted with such 
            equipment, requiring the commercial air tour operator for 
            such aircraft to collect and maintain flight data through 
            alternative methods);
                (iv) requiring all commercial air tour operators to 
            implement a flight data monitoring program, such as a 
            Flight Operational Quality Assurance Program;
                (v) establishing methods to provide effective terrain 
            awareness and warning; and
                (vi) establishing methods to provide effective traffic 
            avoidance in identified high-traffic tour areas, such as 
            requiring commercial air tour operators that operate within 
            such areas be equipped with an automatic dependent 
            surveillance-broadcast out- and in-supported traffic 
            advisory system that--

                    (I) includes both visual and aural alerts;
                    (II) is driven by an algorithm designed to 
                eliminate nuisance alerts; and
                    (III) is operational during all flight operations.

                (vii) codifying and uniformly applying Living History 
            Flight Experience exemption conditions and limitations.
            (C) Membership.--The aviation rulemaking committee convened 
        under subparagraph (A) shall consist of members appointed by 
        the Administrator, including--
                (i) representatives of industry, including 
            manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft technologies;
                (ii) air tour operators or organizations that represent 
            such operators; and
                (iii) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge 
            of safety management systems and flight data monitoring 
            programs under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
            Regulations.
            (D) Duties.--
                (i) In general.--The Administrator shall direct the 
            aviation rulemaking committee to make findings and submit 
            recommendations regarding each of the matters specified in 
            clauses (i) through (vi) of subparagraph (B).
                (ii) Considerations.--In carrying out the duties of the 
            aviation rulemaking committee under clause (i), the 
            Administrator shall direct the aviation rulemaking 
            committee to consider--

                    (I) recommendations of the National Transportation 
                Safety Board;
                    (II) recommendations of previous aviation 
                rulemaking committees that reviewed flight data 
                monitoring program requirements for commercial 
                operators under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
                Regulations;
                    (III) recommendations from industry safety 
                organizations, including the Vertical Aviation Safety 
                Team, the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee, and 
                the United States Helicopter Safety Team;
                    (IV) scientific data derived from a broad range of 
                flight data recording technologies capable of 
                continuously transmitting and that support a measurable 
                and viable means of assessing data to identify and 
                correct hazardous trends;
                    (V) appropriate use of data for modifying behavior 
                to prevent accidents;
                    (VI) the need to accommodate technological 
                advancements in flight data recording technology;
                    (VII) data gathered from aviation safety reporting 
                programs;
                    (VIII) appropriate methods to provide effective 
                terrain awareness and warning system protections while 
                mitigating nuisance alerts for aircraft;
                    (IX) the need to accommodate the diversity of 
                airworthiness standards under part 27 and part 29 of 
                title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
                    (X) the need to accommodate diversity of operations 
                and mission sets;
                    (XI) benefits of third-party data analysis for 
                large and small operations;
                    (XII) accommodations necessary for small 
                businesses; and
                    (XIII) other issues, as necessary.

            (E) Reports and regulations.--Not later than 20 months 
        after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
        shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
        based on the findings of the aviation rulemaking committee.
        (3) Rulemaking required.--
            (A) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year 
        after the date the Administrator submits a report under 
        paragraph (2)(E), the Administrator shall issue a notice of 
        proposed rulemaking establishing increasing safety regulations 
        for commercial air tour operators based on the recommendations 
        of the rulemaking committee established under paragraph (2).
            (B) Contents.--The notice of proposed rulemaking under 
        subparagraph (A) shall require, at a minimum--
                (i) the adoption of pilot training standards that are 
            comparable, as applicable, to the standards under subpart H 
            of part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations for 
            commercial tour operators;
                (ii) the adoption of maintenance standards that are 
            comparable, as applicable, to the standards under subpart J 
            of part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations for 
            commercial tour operators; and
                (iii) that beginning on a date determined appropriate 
            by the Administrator, a helicopter operated by a commercial 
            air tour operator be equipped with an approved flight data 
            monitoring system capable of recording flight performance 
            data.
            (C) Final rule.--Not later than 2 years after the issuance 
        of a notice of proposed rulemaking under subparagraph (A), the 
        Administrator shall finalize the rule.
    (b) Safety Requirements for Sport Parachute Operations.--
        (1) Aviation rulemaking committee.--The Administrator shall 
    convene an aviation rulemaking committee to review and develop 
    findings and recommendations to increase the safety of sport 
    parachute operations.
        (2) Contents.--This aviation rulemaking committee convened 
    under paragraph (1) shall consider, at a minimum--
            (A) potential regulatory action governing parachute 
        operations that are conducted in the United States and are 
        subject to the requirements of part 105 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, to address--
                (i) whether FAA-approved aircraft maintenance and 
            inspection programs that consider, at a minimum, minimum 
            equipment standards informed by recommended maintenance 
            instructions of engine manufacturers, such as service 
            bulletins and service information letters for time between 
            overhauls and component life limits, should be implemented; 
            and
                (ii) initial and annual recurrent pilot training and 
            proficiency checks for pilots conducting parachute 
            operations that address, at a minimum, operation- and 
            aircraft-specific weight and balance calculations, 
            preflight inspections, emergency and recovery procedures, 
            and parachutist egress procedures for each type of aircraft 
            flown; and
            (B) the revision of guidance material contained in the 
        advisory circular of the FAA titled ``Sport Parachuting'' (AC 
        105-2E) to include guidance for parachute operations in 
        implementing the FAA-approved aircraft maintenance and 
        inspection program and the pilot training and pilot proficiency 
        checking programs required under any new or revised 
        regulations; and
            (C) the revision of guidance materials issued in the order 
        of the FAA titled ``Flight Standards Information Management 
        System'' (FAA Order 8900.1), to include guidance for FAA 
        inspectors who oversee an operation conducted under--
                (i) part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; 
            and
                (ii) an exception specified in section 119.1(e) of 
            title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (3) Membership.--The aviation rulemaking committee under 
    paragraph (1) shall consist of members appointed by the 
    Administrator, including--
            (A) representatives of industry, including manufacturers of 
        aircraft and aircraft technologies;
            (B) parachute operators, or organizations that represent 
        such operators; and
            (C) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of 
        safety management systems and flight data monitoring programs 
        under part 135 and part 105 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations.
        (4) Duties.--
            (A) In general.--The Administrator shall direct the 
        aviation rulemaking committee to make findings and submit 
        recommendations regarding each of the matters specified in 
        subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (2).
            (B) Considerations.--In carrying out its duties under 
        subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall direct the aviation 
        rulemaking committee to consider--
                (i) findings and recommendations of the National 
            Transportation Safety Board, as relevant, and specifically 
            such findings and recommendations related to parachute 
            operations, including the June 21, 2019, incident in 
            Mokuleia, Hawaii;
                (ii) recommendations of previous aviation rulemaking 
            committees that considered similar issues;
                (iii) recommendations from industry safety 
            organizations, including, at a minimum, the United States 
            Parachute Association;
                (iv) appropriate use of data for modifying behavior to 
            prevent accidents;
                (v) data gathered from aviation safety reporting 
            programs;
                (vi) the need to accommodate diversity of operations 
            and mission sets;
                (vii) accommodations necessary for small businesses; 
            and
                (viii) other issues as necessary.
        (5) Reports and regulations.--
            (A) In general.--Not later than 36 months after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a report based on the 
        findings of the aviation rulemaking committee.
            (B) Contents.--The report under subparagraph (A) shall 
        include--
                (i) any recommendations submitted by the aviation 
            rulemaking committee; and
                (ii) any actions the Administrator intends to initiate, 
            if necessary, as a result of such recommendations.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
    given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
        (2) Commercial air tour.--The term ``commercial air tour'' has 
    the meaning given such term in section 136.1 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations.
        (3) Commercial air tour operator.--The term ``commercial air 
    tour operator'' has the meaning given such term in section 136.1 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (4) Parachute operation.--The term ``parachute operation'' has 
    the meaning given such term in section 105.3 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
    SEC. 364. HAWAII AIR NOISE AND SAFETY TASK FORCE.
    (a) Participation.--To the extent acceptable to the State of 
Hawaii, the Administrator shall participate as a technical advisor in 
the air noise and safety task force established by State legislation in 
the State of Hawaii.
    (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date on which 
the task force described in subsection (a) delivers findings and 
consensus recommendations to the FAA, the Administrator shall, 
consistent with maintaining the safety and efficiency of the national 
airspace system--
        (1) issue an intent to proceed with a proposed rulemaking;
        (2) take other action sufficient to carry out feasible, 
    consensus recommendations; or
        (3) issue a statement determining that no such rule or other 
    action is warranted, including a detailed explanation of the 
    rationale for such determination.
    (c) Considerations.--In determining whether to proceed with a 
proposed rulemaking, guidance, or other action under subsection (b) 
and, if applicable, in developing the proposed rule, guidance, or 
carrying out the other action, the Administrator shall consider the 
findings and consensus recommendations of the task force described in 
subsection (a).
    (d) Authorities.--In issuing the rule, guidance, or carrying out 
the other action described in subsection (b), the Administrator may 
take actions in the State of Hawaii to--
        (1) provide commercial air tour operators with preferred 
    routes, times, and minimum altitudes for the purpose of noise 
    reduction, so long as such recommendations do not negatively impact 
    safety conditions;
        (2) provide commercial air tour operators with information 
    regarding quiet aircraft technology; and
        (3) establish a method for residents of the State of Hawaii to 
    publicly report noise disruptions due to commercial air tours and 
    for commercial air tour operators to respond to complaints.
    (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as providing the Administrator with authority to ban 
commercial air tour flights in the State of Hawaii for the purposes of 
noise reduction.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Commercial air tour.--The term ``commercial air tour'' has 
    the meaning given such term in section 136.1 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations.
        (2) Commercial air tour operator.--The term ``commercial air 
    tour operator'' has the meaning given such term in section 136.1 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 365. MODERNIZATION AND IMPROVEMENTS TO AIRCRAFT EVACUATION.
    (a) Study.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a study on 
    improvements to the safety and efficiency of evacuation standards 
    for manufacturers and carriers of transport category airplanes, as 
    described in parts 25 and 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations.
        (2) Contents.--
            (A) Requirements.--The study required under paragraph (1) 
        shall include--
                (i) a prospective risk analysis, as well as an 
            evaluation of relevant past incidents with respect to 
            evacuation safety and evacuation standards;
                (ii) an assessment of the evacuation testing procedures 
            described in section 25.803 of such title 14, as well as 
            recommendations for how to revise such testing procedures 
            to ensure that the testing procedures assess, in a safe 
            manner, the ability of passengers with disabilities, 
            including passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility 
            assistive devices, to safely and efficiently evacuate an 
            aircraft;
                (iii) an assessment of the evacuation demonstration 
            procedures described in such part 121, as well as 
            recommendations for how to improve such demonstration 
            procedures to ensure that the demonstration procedures 
            assess, in a safe manner, the ability of passengers with 
            disabilities, including passengers who use wheelchairs or 
            other mobility assistive devices, to safely and efficiently 
            evacuate an aircraft;
                (iv) the research proposed in National Transportation 
            Safety Board Safety Recommendation A-18-009; and
                (v) any other analysis determined appropriate by the 
            Administrator.
            (B) Considerations.--In conducting the study under 
        paragraph (1), the Administrator shall assess the following:
                (i) The ability of passengers of different ages 
            (including infants, children, and senior citizens) to 
            safely and efficiently evacuate a transport category 
            airplane.
                (ii) The ability of passengers of different heights and 
            weights to safely and efficiently evacuate a transport 
            category airplane.
                (iii) The ability of passengers with disabilities to 
            safely and efficiently evacuate a transport category 
            airplane.
                (iv) The ability of passengers who cannot speak, have 
            difficulty speaking, use synthetic speech, or are non-vocal 
            or non-verbal to safely and efficiently evacuate a 
            transport category airplane.
                (v) The ability of passengers who do not speak English 
            to safely and efficiently evacuate a transport category 
            airplane.
                (vi) The impact of the presence of carry-on luggage and 
            personal items (such as a purse, briefcase, laptop, or 
            backpack) on the ability of passengers to safely and 
            efficiently evacuate a transport category airplane.
                (vii) The impact of seat size and passenger seating 
            space and pitch on the ability of passengers to safely and 
            efficiently evacuate a transport category airplane.
                (viii) The impact of seats and other obstacles in the 
            pathway to the exit opening from the nearest aisle on the 
            ability of passengers to safely and efficiently evacuate a 
            transport category airplane.
                (ix) With respect to aircraft with parallel 
            longitudinal aisles, the impact of seat pods or other 
            seating configurations that block access between such 
            aisles within a cabin on the ability of passengers to 
            safely and efficiently evacuate a transport category 
            airplane.
                (x) The impact of passenger load on the ability of 
            passengers to safely and efficiently evacuate a transport 
            category airplane.
                (xi) The impact of animals approved to accompany a 
            passenger, including service animals, on the ability of 
            passengers to safely and efficiently evacuate a transport 
            category airplane.
                (xii) Whether an applicant for a type certificate (as 
            defined in section 44704(e)(7) of title 49, United States 
            Code) should be required to demonstrate compliance with FAA 
            emergency evacuation regulations (as described in section 
            25.803 and Appendix J of part 25 of title 14, Code of 
            Federal Regulations) through live testing in any case in 
            which the Administrator determines that the new aircraft 
            design is significant.
                (xiii) Any other factor determined appropriate by the 
            Administrator.
            (C) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
                (i) Passenger load.--The term ``passenger load'' means 
            the number of passengers relative to the number of seats 
            onboard the aircraft.
                (ii) Passengers with disabilities.--The term 
            ``passengers with disabilities'' means any qualified 
            individual with a disability, as defined in section 382.3 
            of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Aviation Rulemaking Committee for Evacuation Standards.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the completion 
    of the study conducted under subsection (a), the Administrator 
    shall establish an aviation rulemaking committee (in this section 
    referred to as the ``Committee'') to--
            (A) review the findings of the study; and
            (B) develop and submit to the Administrator recommendations 
        regarding improvements to the evacuation standards described in 
        parts 25 and 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (2) Composition.--The Committee shall consist of members 
    appointed by the Administrator, including the following:
            (A) Representatives of industry.
            (B) Representatives of aviation labor organizations.
            (C) Aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of the 
        evacuation standards and requirements under such parts 25 and 
        121.
            (D) Representatives of individuals with disabilities with 
        specific knowledge of accessibility standards regarding 
        evacuations in emergency circumstances.
            (E) Representatives of the senior citizen community.
            (F) Representatives of pediatricians.
        (3) Considerations.--In reviewing the findings of the study 
    conducted under subsection (a) and developing recommendations 
    regarding the improvement of the evacuation standards under 
    subsection (b)(1)(B), the Committee shall consider the following:
            (A) The recommendations made by any prior aviation 
        rulemaking committee regarding the evacuation standards 
        described in such parts 25 and 121.
            (B) Scientific data derived from the study conducted under 
        subsection (a).
            (C) Any data gathered from aviation safety reporting 
        programs.
            (D) The cost-benefit analysis and risk analysis of any 
        recommended standards.
            (E) Any other item determined appropriate by the Committee.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the date on 
which the Committee submits to the Administrator the recommendations 
under subsection (b)(1)(B), the Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on--
        (1) the findings of the study conducted under subsection (a);
        (2) the recommendations of the Committee under subsection 
    (b)(1)(B); and
        (3) the Administrator's plan, if any, to implement such 
    recommendations.
    (d) Rulemaking.--Not later than 90 days after submitting to 
Congress the report under subsection (c), the Administrator shall issue 
a notice of proposed rulemaking to implement the recommendations of the 
Committee that the Administrator considers appropriate.
    SEC. 366. 25-HOUR COCKPIT VOICE RECORDER.
    (a) In General.--
        (1) Cockpit voice recorder for newly manufactured aircraft.--A 
    covered operator may not operate a covered aircraft manufactured 
    later than the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of 
    this Act unless such aircraft has a cockpit voice recorder 
    installed that retains the last 25 hours of recorded information 
    using a recorder that meets the standards of Technical Standard 
    Order TSO-C123c, or any later revision.
        (2) Cockpit voice recorder for covered aircraft.--Not later 
    than 6 years after the date of enactment of this Act, a covered 
    operator may not operate a covered aircraft unless such aircraft 
    has a cockpit voice recorder installed that retains the last 25 
    hours of recorded information using a recorder that meets the 
    standards of Technical Standard Order TSO-C123c, or any later 
    revision.
    (b) Prohibited Use.--The Administrator or any covered operator may 
not use a cockpit voice recorder recording for a certificate action, 
civil penalty, or disciplinary proceedings against a flight crewmember.
    (c) Rulemaking.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall--
        (1) issue a final rule to update applicable regulations, as 
    necessary, to conform to the requirements of subsection (a)(2); and
        (2) issue a rule to update applicable regulations, as 
    necessary, to ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that any 
    data from a cockpit voice recorder--
            (A) is protected from unlawful or unauthorized disclosure 
        to the public;
            (B) is used exclusively by a Federal agency or a foreign 
        accident investigative agency for a criminal investigation, 
        aircraft accident, or aircraft incident investigation; and
            (C) is not deliberately erased or tampered with following a 
        National Transportation Safety Board reportable event under 
        part 830 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, for which 
        civil and criminal penalties may be assessed in accordance with 
        section 1155 of title 49, United States Code, and section 32 of 
        title 18, United States Code.
    (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as 
rescoping, constraining, or otherwise mandating delays to FAA actions 
in the notice of proposed rulemaking titled ``25-Hour Cockpit Voice 
Recorder (CVR) Requirements, New Aircraft Production'', issued on 
December 4, 2023 (88 Fed. Reg. 84090).
    (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to affect--
        (1) the confidentiality of recording and transcripts under 
    section 1114(c) of title 49, United States Code;
        (2) the ban on recording for civil penalty or certificate under 
    section 121.359(h) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; or
        (3) the prohibition against use of data from flight operational 
    quality assurance programs for enforcement purposes under section 
    13.401 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Covered aircraft.--The term ``covered aircraft'' means--
            (A) an aircraft operated by an air carrier under part 121 
        of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; or
            (B) a transport category aircraft designed for operations 
        by an air carrier or foreign air carrier type-certificated with 
        a passenger seating capacity of 30 or more or an all-cargo or 
        combi derivative of such an aircraft.
        (2) Covered operator.--The term ``covered operator'' means the 
    operator of a covered aircraft.
    SEC. 367. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING MANDATED CONTENTS OF ONBOARD 
      EMERGENCY MEDICAL KITS.
    It is the sense of Congress that--
        (1) a regularly scheduled panel of experts should reexamine and 
    provide an updated list of mandated contents of onboard emergency 
    medical kits that is thorough and practical, keeping passenger 
    safety and well-being paramount; and
        (2) such panel should consider including on the list of 
    mandated contents of such medical kits, at a minimum, opioid 
    overdose reversal medication.
    SEC. 368. PASSENGER AIRCRAFT FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT 
      EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking regarding first aid and emergency medical kit equipment and 
training required for flight crewmembers, as provided in part 121 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, applicable to all certificate 
holders operating passenger aircraft under such part.
    (b) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall consider--
        (1) the benefits and costs (including the costs of flight 
    diversions and emergency landings) of requiring any new medications 
    or equipment necessary to be included in approved emergency medical 
    kits;
        (2) whether the contents of the emergency medical kits include, 
    at a minimum, appropriate medications and equipment that can 
    practicably be administered to address--
            (A) the emergency medical needs of children and pregnant 
        women;
            (B) opioid overdose reversal;
            (C) anaphylaxis; and
            (D) cardiac arrest;
        (3) what contents of the emergency medical kits should be 
    readily available, to the extent practicable, for use by flight 
    crews without prior approval by a medical professional.
    (c) Regular Review.--Not later than 5 years after the issuance of 
the final rule under subsection (a), and every 5 years thereafter, the 
Administrator shall evaluate and revise, if appropriate--
        (1) the first aid and emergency medical kit equipment and 
    training required for flight crewmembers; and
        (2) any required training for flight crewmembers regarding the 
    content, location, and function of such kit.
    SEC. 369. INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM.
    (a) Aviation Safety Oversight Measures Carried Out by Foreign 
Countries.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, is further 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44747. Aviation safety oversight measures carried out by foreign 
     countries
    ``(a) Assessment.--
        ``(1) In general.--On a regular basis, the Administrator, in 
    consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary 
    of State, shall assess aviation safety oversight measures carried 
    out by any foreign country--
            ``(A) from which a foreign air carrier is conducting 
        foreign air transportation to and from the United States;
            ``(B) from which a foreign air carrier seeks to conduct 
        foreign air transportation to and from the United States;
            ``(C) whose air carriers carry or seek to carry the code of 
        a United States air carrier; or
            ``(D) as determined appropriate by the Administrator.
        ``(2) Consultation and criteria.--In conducting an assessment 
    described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
            ``(A) consult with the appropriate authorities of the 
        government of the foreign country;
            ``(B) determine the efficacy with which such foreign 
        country carries out and complies with its aviation safety 
        oversight responsibilities consistent with--
                ``(i) the Convention on International Civil Aviation 
            (in this section referred to as the `Chicago Convention');
                ``(ii) international aviation safety standards; and
                ``(iii) recommended practices set forth by the 
            International Civil Aviation Organization;
            ``(C) use a standard approach and methodology that will 
        result in an analysis of the aviation safety oversight 
        activities of such foreign country that are carried out to meet 
        the minimum standards contained in Annexes 1, 6, and 8 to the 
        Chicago Convention in effect on the date of the assessment, or 
        any such successor documents; and
            ``(D) identify instances of noncompliance pertaining to the 
        aviation safety oversight activities of such foreign country 
        consistent with the Chicago Convention, international aviation 
        safety standards, and recommended practices set forth by the 
        International Civil Aviation Organization.
        ``(3) Findings of noncompliance.--In any case in which the 
    assessment described in subsection (a)(1) finds an instance of non-
    compliance, the Administrator shall--
            ``(A) notify the foreign country that is the subject of 
        such finding;
            ``(B) not later than 90 days after transmission of such 
        notification, request and initiate final discussions with the 
        foreign country to recommend actions by which the foreign 
        country can mitigate the noncompliance; and
            ``(C) after the discussions described in subparagraph (B) 
        have concluded, determine whether or not the noncompliance 
        finding has been corrected;
    ``(b) Uncorrected Non-compliance.--If the Administrator finds that 
such foreign country has not corrected the non-compliance by the close 
of such final discussions--
        ``(1) the Administrator shall notify the Secretary of 
    Transportation and the Secretary of State that the condition of 
    noncompliance remains;
        ``(2) the Administrator, after consulting with informing the 
    Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of State, shall 
    notify the foreign country of such finding; and
        ``(3) notwithstanding section 40105(b), the Administrator, 
    after consulting with the appropriate civil aviation authority of 
    such foreign country and notifying the Secretary of Transportation 
    and the Secretary of State, may withhold, revoke, or prescribe 
    conditions on the operating authority of a foreign air carrier 
    that--
            ``(A) provides or seeks to provide foreign air 
        transportation to and from the United States; or
            ``(B) carries or seeks to carry the code of an air carrier.
    ``(c) Authority.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), the 
Administrator retains the ability to take immediate safety oversight 
actions if the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of 
Transportation and the Secretary of State, as needed, determines that a 
condition exists that threatens the safety of passengers, aircraft, or 
crew traveling to or from such foreign country. In this event that the 
Administrator makes a determination under this subsection, the 
Administrator shall immediately notify the Secretary of State of such 
determination so that the Secretary of State may issue a travel 
advisory with respect to such foreign country.
    ``(d) Public Notification.--
        ``(1) In general.--In any case in which the Administrator 
    provides notification to a foreign country under subsection (b)(2), 
    the Administrator shall--
            ``(A) recommend the actions necessary to bring such foreign 
        country into compliance with the international standards 
        contained in the Chicago Convention;
            ``(B) publish the identity of such foreign country on the 
        website of the Federal Aviation Administration, in the Federal 
        Register, and through other mediums appropriate to provide 
        notice to the public; and
            ``(C) brief the Committee on Transportation and 
        Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
        Senate on the identity of such foreign country and a summary of 
        any critical safety information resulting from an assessment 
        described in subsection (a)(1).
        ``(2) Compliance.--If the Administrator finds that a foreign 
    country subsequently corrects all outstanding noncompliances, the 
    Administrator, after consulting with the appropriate civil aviation 
    authority of such foreign country and notifying the Secretary of 
    Transportation and the Secretary of State, shall take actions as 
    necessary to ensure the updated compliance status is reflected, 
    including in the mediums invoked in paragraph (1)(B).
    ``(e) Accuracy of the IASA List.--A foreign country that does not 
have foreign air carrier activity, as described in subsection (a)(1), 
for an extended period of time, as determined by the Administrator, 
shall be removed for inactivity from the public listings described in 
subsection (d)(1)(B), after informing the Secretary of Transportation 
and the Secretary of State.
    ``(f) Consistency.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Administration shall use data, tools, 
    and methods that ensure transparency and repeatability of 
    assessments conducted under this section.
        ``(2) Training.--The Administrator shall ensure that 
    Administration personnel are properly and adequately trained to 
    carry out the assessments set forth in this section, including with 
    respect to the standards, methodology, and material used to make 
    determinations under this section.''.
    (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2028, the 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report on the assessments conducted under the amendments made by this 
section, including the results of any corrective actions taken by 
noncompliant foreign countries.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``44747. Aviation safety oversight measures carried out by foreign 
          countries.''.
    SEC. 370. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ENFORCEMENT.
    Section 42121(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in the subsection heading by striking ``Department of labor 
    complaint procedure'' and inserting ``Department of labor and 
    federal aviation administration complaint procedure''; and
        (2) by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
        ``(5) Enforcement of order.--Whenever any person has failed to 
    comply with an order issued under paragraph (3), the Secretary of 
    Labor and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
    shall consult with each other to determine the most appropriate 
    action to be taken, in which--
            ``(A) the Secretary of Labor may file a civil action in the 
        United States district court for the district in which the 
        violation was found to occur to enforce such order, for which, 
        in actions brought under this paragraph, the district courts 
        shall have jurisdiction to grant all appropriate relief 
        including, injunctive relief and compensatory damages; and
            ``(B) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
        Administration may assess a civil penalty pursuant to section 
        46301.''.
    SEC. 371. CIVIL PENALTIES FOR WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION PROGRAM 
      VIOLATIONS.
    Section 46301(d)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting ``section 42121,'' before ``chapter 441''.
    SEC. 372. ENHANCED QUALIFICATION PROGRAM FOR RESTRICTED AIRLINE 
      TRANSPORT PILOT CERTIFICATE.
    (a) Program.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish the 
    requirements for a program to be known as the Enhanced 
    Qualification Program (in this section referred to as the 
    ``Program'') under which--
            (A) qualified air carriers are certified by the 
        Administrator to provide enhanced training for eligible pilots 
        seeking to obtain restricted airline transport certificates, 
        either directly by the air carrier or by a certified training 
        institution under part 141 or part 142 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, that is under contract with the qualified 
        air carrier; and
            (B) qualified instructors and evaluators provide enhanced 
        training to eligible pilots pursuant to the curriculum 
        requirements under paragraph (4).
        (2) Qualified instructors and evaluators.--Under the Program--
            (A) all testing and training shall be performed by 
        qualified instructors; and
            (B) all evaluations shall be performed by qualified 
        evaluators.
        (3) Pilot assessment.--Under the Program, the Administrator 
    shall establish guidelines for an assessment that prospective 
    pilots are required to pass in order to participate in the training 
    under the Program. Such assessment shall include an evaluation of 
    the pilot's aptitude, ability, and readiness for operation of 
    transport category aircraft.
        (4) Program curriculum.--Under the Program, the Administrator 
    shall establish requirements for the curriculum to be provided 
    under the Program. Such curriculum shall include--
            (A) a nationally standardized, non-air carrier or aircraft-
        specific training curriculum which shall--
                (i) ensure prospective pilots have appropriate 
            knowledge at the commercial pilot certificate, multi-engine 
            rating, and instrument rating level;
                (ii) introduce the pilots to concepts associated with 
            air carrier operations;
                (iii) meet all requirements for an ATP Certification 
            Training Program under part 61.156 or part 142 of title 14, 
            Code of Federal Regulations; and
                (iv) include a course of instruction designed to 
            prepare the prospective pilot to take the ATP Multiengine 
            Airplane Knowledge Test;
            (B) an aircraft-specific training curriculum, developed by 
        the air carrier using objectives and learning standards 
        developed by the Administrator, which shall--
                (i) only be administered to prospective pilots who have 
            completed the requirements under subparagraph (A);
                (ii) resemble a type rating training curriculum that 
            includes aircraft ground and flight training that 
            culminates in--

                    (I) the completion of a maneuvers evaluation that 
                incorporates elements of a type rating practical test; 
                or
                    (II) at the discretion of the air carrier, an 
                actual type rating practical test resulting in the 
                issuance of a type rating for the specific aircraft; 
                and

                (iii) ensure the prospective pilot has an adequate 
            understanding and working knowledge of transport category 
            aircraft automation and autoflight systems; and
            (C) air carrier-specific procedures using objectives and 
        learning standards developed by the Administrator to further 
        expand on the concepts described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), 
        which shall--
                (i) only be administered to prospective pilots who have 
            completed requirements under subparagraphs (A) and (B) and 
            an ATP Multiengine Airplane Knowledge Test;
                (ii) include instructions on air carrier checklist 
            usage and standard operating procedures; and
                (iii) integrate aircraft-specific training in 
            appropriate flight simulation training devices representing 
            the specific aircraft type, including complete crew 
            resource management and scenario-based training.
        (5) Application and certification.--Under the Program, the 
    Administrator shall establish a process for air carriers to apply 
    for training program certification. Such process shall include a 
    review to ensure that the training provided by the air carrier will 
    meet the requirements of this section, including--
            (A) the assessment requirements under paragraph (3);
            (B) the curriculum requirements under paragraph (4);
            (C) the requirements for qualified instructors under 
        subsection (d)(5); and
            (D) the requirements for eligible pilots under subsection 
        (d)(2).
        (6) Data.--Under the Program, the Administrator shall require 
    that each qualified air carrier participating in the Program 
    collect and submit to the Administrator such data from the Program 
    that the Administrator determines is appropriate for the 
    Administrator to provide for oversight of the Program.
        (7) Regular inspection.--Under the Program, the Administrator 
    shall provide for the regular inspection of qualified air carriers 
    certified under paragraph (5) to ensure that the air carrier 
    continues to meet the requirements under the Program.
    (b) Regulations.--The Administrator may issue regulations or 
guidance as determined necessary to carry out the Program.
    (c) Clarification Regarding Required Flight Hours.--The provisions 
of this section shall have no effect on the total flight hours required 
under part 61.159 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to receive 
an airline transport pilot certificate, or the Administrator's 
authority under section 217(d) of the Airline Safety and Federal 
Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 (49 U.S.C. 44701 note) 
(as in effect on the date of enactment of this section).
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
    given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
        (2) Eligible pilot.--The term ``eligible pilot'' means a pilot 
    that--
            (A) has--
                (i) graduated from a United States Armed Forces 
            undergraduate pilot training school;
                (ii) obtained a degree with an aviation major from an 
            institution of higher education (as defined in part 61.1 of 
            title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) that has been issued 
            a letter of authorization by the Administrator under part 
            61.169 of such title 14; or
                (iii) completed flight and ground training for a 
            commercial pilot certificate in the airplane category and 
            an airplane instrument rating at a certified training 
            institution under part 141 of such title 14;
            (B) has a current commercial pilot certificate under part 
        61.123 of such title 14, with airplane category multi-engine 
        and instrument ratings under part 61.129 of such title 14; and
            (C) meets the pilot assessment requirements under 
        subsection (a)(3).
        (3) Qualified air carrier.--The term ``qualified air carrier'' 
    means an air carrier that has been issued a part 119 operating 
    certificate for conducting operations under part 121 of title 14, 
    Code of Federal Regulations.
        (4) Qualified evaluator.--The term ``qualified evaluator'' 
    means an individual that meets the requirements for a training 
    center evaluator under part 142.55 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, or for check airmen under part 121.411 of such title.
        (5) Qualified instructor.--The term ``qualified instructor'' 
    means an individual that--
            (A) is qualified in accordance with the minimum training 
        requirements for an ATP Certification Training Program under 
        paragraphs (1) through (3) of part 121.410(b) of title 14, Code 
        of Federal Regulations;
            (B) if the instructor is a flight instructor, is qualified 
        in accordance with part 121.410(b)(4) of such title;
            (C) if the instructor is administering type rating 
        practical tests, is qualified as an appropriate examiner for 
        such rating;
            (D) received training in threat and error management, 
        facilitation, and risk mitigation determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator; and
            (E) meets any other requirement determined appropriate by 
        the Administrator.

                   Subtitle B--Aviation Cybersecurity

    SEC. 391. FINDINGS.
    Congress finds the following:
        (1) Congress has tasked the FAA with responsibility for 
    securing the national airspace system, including the air traffic 
    control system and other air navigation services, civil aircraft, 
    and aeronautical products and articles through safety regulation 
    and oversight. These mandates have included protecting against 
    cyber threats affecting aviation safety or the Administration's 
    provision of safe, secure, and efficient air navigation services 
    and airspace management.
        (2) In 2016, Congress passed the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
    Security Act of 2016, pursuant to which the FAA enhanced the 
    cybersecurity of the national airspace system by--
            (A) developing a cybersecurity strategic plan;
            (B) coordinating with other Federal agencies to identify 
        cyber vulnerabilities;
            (C) developing a cyber threat model; and
            (D) completing a comprehensive, strategic policy framework 
        to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks to the air traffic 
        control system.
        (3) In 2018, Congress passed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
    2018 which--
            (A) authorized funding for the construction of FAA 
        facilities dedicated to improving the cybersecurity of the 
        national airspace system;
            (B) required the FAA to review and update its 
        comprehensive, strategic policy framework for cybersecurity to 
        assess the degree to which the framework identifies and 
        addresses known cybersecurity risks associated with the 
        aviation system, and evaluate existing short- and long-term 
        objectives for addressing cybersecurity risks to the national 
        airspace system;
            (C) created a Chief Technology Officer position within the 
        FAA to be responsible for, among other things, coordinating the 
        implementation, operation, maintenance, and cybersecurity of 
        technology programs relating to the air traffic control system 
        with the aviation industry and other Federal agencies; and
            (D) directed the National Academy of Sciences to study the 
        cybersecurity workforce of the FAA in order to develop 
        recommendations to increase the size, quality, and diversity of 
        such workforce.
        (4) Congress has declared that the FAA is the primary Federal 
    agency to assess and address the threats posed from cyber incidents 
    relating to FAA-provided air traffic control and air navigation 
    services and the threats posed from cyber incidents relating to 
    civil aircraft, aeronautical products and articles, aviation 
    networks, aviation systems, services, and operations, and the 
    aerospace industry affecting aviation safety or the provision of 
    safe, secure, and efficient air navigation services and airspace 
    management by the Administration.
    SEC. 392. AEROSPACE PRODUCT SAFETY.
    (a) Cybersecurity Standards.--Section 44701(a) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``cybersecurity,'' after 
    ``quality of work,''; and
        (2) in paragraph (5)--
            (A) by inserting ``cybersecurity and'' after ``standards 
        for''; and
            (B) by striking ``procedure'' and inserting ``procedures''.
    (b) Exclusive Rulemaking Authority.--Section 44701 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(g) Exclusive Rulemaking Authority.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law and except as provided in section 40131, the 
Administrator, in consultation with the heads of such other agencies as 
the Administrator determines necessary, shall have exclusive authority 
to prescribe regulations for purposes of assuring the cybersecurity of 
civil aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, and appliances.''.
    SEC. 393. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS, POLICY, AND 
      GUIDANCE.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 40131. National airspace system cyber threat management process
    ``(a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration, in consultation with the heads of other agencies as the 
Administrator determines necessary, shall establish a national airspace 
system cyber threat management process to protect the national airspace 
system cyber environment, including the safety, security, and 
efficiency of air navigation services provided by the Administration.
    ``(b) Issues To Be Addressed.--In establishing the national 
airspace system cyber threat management process under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall, at a minimum--
        ``(1) monitor the national airspace system for significant 
    cybersecurity incidents;
        ``(2) in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies, 
    evaluate the cyber threat landscape for the national airspace 
    system, including updating such evaluation on both annual and 
    threat-based timelines;
        ``(3) conduct national airspace system cyber incident analyses;
        ``(4) create a cyber common operating picture for the national 
    airspace system cyber environment;
        ``(5) coordinate national airspace system significant cyber 
    incident responses with other appropriate Federal agencies;
        ``(6) track significant cyber incident detection, response, 
    mitigation implementation, recovery, and closure;
        ``(7) establish a process, or utilize existing processes, to 
    share relevant significant cyber incident data related to the 
    national airspace system;
        ``(8) facilitate significant cybersecurity reporting, including 
    through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency; and
        ``(9) consider any other matter the Administrator determines 
    appropriate.
    ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
        ``(1) Cyber common operating picture.--The term `cyber common 
    operating picture' means the correlation of a detected cyber 
    incident or cyber threat in the national airspace system and other 
    operational anomalies to provide a holistic view of potential cause 
    and impact.
        ``(2) Cyber environment.--The term `cyber environment' means 
    the information environment consisting of the interdependent 
    networks of information technology infrastructures and resident 
    data, including the internet, telecommunications networks, computer 
    systems, and embedded processors and controllers.
        ``(3) Cyber incident.--The term `cyber incident' means an 
    action that creates noticeable degradation, disruption, or 
    destruction to the cyber environment and causes a safety or other 
    negative impact on operations of--
            ``(A) the national airspace system;
            ``(B) civil aircraft; or
            ``(C) aeronautical products and articles.
        ``(4) Cyber threat.--The term `cyber threat' means the threat 
    of an action that, if carried out, would constitute a cyber 
    incident or an electronic attack.
        ``(5) Electronic attack.--The term `electronic attack' means 
    the use of electromagnetic spectrum energy to impede operations in 
    the cyber environment, including through techniques such as jamming 
    or spoofing.
        ``(6) Significant cyber incident.--The term `significant cyber 
    incident' means a cyber incident, or a group of related cyber 
    incidents, that the Administrator determines is likely to result in 
    demonstrable harm to the national airspace system of the United 
    States.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``40131. National airspace system cyber threat management process.''.
    SEC. 394. SECURING AIRCRAFT AVIONICS SYSTEMS.
    Section 506(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
44704 note) is amended--
        (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking 
    ``consider, where appropriate, revising'' and inserting ``revise, 
    as appropriate, existing'';
        (2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end;
        (3) in paragraph (2) by striking the period at the end and 
    inserting ``; and''; and
        (4) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(3) to establish a process and timeline by which software-
    based systems and equipment, including aircraft flight critical 
    systems of aircraft operated under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations, can be regularly screened to attempt to 
    determine whether the software-based systems and equipment have 
    been compromised by unauthorized external or internal access.''.
    SEC. 395. CIVIL AVIATION CYBERSECURITY RULEMAKING COMMITTEE.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall convene an aviation rulemaking 
committee on civil aircraft cybersecurity to conduct reviews (as 
segmented under subsection (c)) and develop findings and 
recommendations on cybersecurity standards for civil aircraft, aircraft 
ground support information systems, airports, air traffic control 
mission systems, and aeronautical products and articles.
    (b) Duties.--The Administrator shall--
        (1) for each segmented review conducted by the committee 
    convened under subsection (a), submit to the appropriate committees 
    of Congress a report based on the findings of such review; and
        (2) not later than 180 days after the date of submission of a 
    report under paragraph (1) and, in consultation with other agencies 
    as the Administrator determines necessary, for consensus 
    recommendations reached by such aviation rulemaking committee--
            (A) undertake a rulemaking, if appropriate, based on such 
        recommendations; and
            (B) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
        supplemental report with explanations for each consensus 
        recommendation not addressed, if applicable, by a rulemaking 
        under subparagraph (A).
    (c) Segmentation.--In tasking the aviation rulemaking committee 
with developing findings and recommendations relating to aviation 
cybersecurity, the Administrator shall direct such committee to segment 
and sequence work by the topic or subject matter of regulation, 
including by directing the committee to establish subgroups to consider 
different topics and subject matters.
    (d) Composition.--The aviation rulemaking committee convened under 
subsection (a) shall consist of members appointed by the Administrator, 
including representatives of--
        (1) aircraft manufacturers, to include at least 1 manufacturer 
    of transport category aircraft;
        (2) air carriers;
        (3) unmanned aircraft system stakeholders, including operators, 
    service suppliers, and manufacturers of hardware components and 
    software applications;
        (4) manufacturers of powered-lift aircraft;
        (5) airports;
        (6) original equipment manufacturers of ground and space-based 
    aviation infrastructure;
        (7) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of aircraft 
    cybersecurity; and
        (8) a nonprofit which operates 1 or more federally funded 
    research and development centers with specific knowledge of 
    aviation and cybersecurity.
    (e) Member Eligibility.--Prior to a member's appointment under 
subsection (c), the Administrator shall establish appropriate 
requirements related to nondisclosure, background investigations, 
security clearances, or other screening mechanisms for applicable 
members of the aviation rulemaking committee who require access to 
sensitive security information or other protected information relevant 
to the member's duties on the rulemaking committee. Members shall 
protect the sensitive security information in accordance with part 1520 
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (f) Prohibition on Compensation.--The members of the aviation 
rulemaking committee convened under subsection (a) shall not receive 
pay, allowances, or benefits from the Government by reason of their 
service on such committee.
    (g) Considerations.--The Administrator may direct such committee to 
consider--
        (1) existing aviation cybersecurity standards, regulations, 
    policies, and guidance, including those from other Federal 
    agencies, and the need to harmonize or deconflict proposed and 
    existing standards, regulations, policies, and guidance;
        (2) threat- and risk-based security approaches used by the 
    aviation industry, including the assessment of the potential costs 
    and benefits of cybersecurity actions;
        (3) data gathered from cybersecurity or safety reporting;
        (4) the diversity of operations and systems on aircraft and 
    amongst air carriers;
        (5) design approval holder aircraft network security guidance 
    for operators;
        (6) FAA services, aviation industry services, and aircraft use 
    of positioning, navigation, and timing data in the context of 
    Executive Order No. 13905, as in effect on the date of enactment of 
    this Act;
        (7) updates needed to airworthiness regulations and systems 
    safety assessment methods used to show compliance with 
    airworthiness requirements for design, function, installation, and 
    certification of civil aircraft, aeronautical products and 
    articles, and aircraft networks;
        (8) updates needed to air carrier operating and maintenance 
    regulations to ensure continued adherence with processes and 
    procedures established in airworthiness regulations to provide 
    cybersecurity protections for aircraft systems, including for 
    continued airworthiness;
        (9) policies and procedures to coordinate with other Federal 
    agencies, including intelligence agencies, and the aviation 
    industry in sharing information and analyses related to cyber 
    threats to civil aircraft information, data, networks, systems, 
    services, operations, and technology and aeronautical products and 
    articles;
        (10) the response of the Administrator and aviation industry 
    to, and recovery from, cyber incidents, including by coordinating 
    with other Federal agencies, including intelligence agencies;
        (11) processes for members of the aviation industry to 
    voluntarily report to the FAA cyber incidents that may affect 
    aviation safety in a manner that protects trade secrets and 
    confidential business information;
        (12) appropriate cybersecurity controls for aircraft networks, 
    aircraft systems, and aeronautical products and articles to protect 
    aviation safety, including airworthiness;
        (13) appropriate cybersecurity controls for airports relative 
    to the size and nature of airside operations of such airports to 
    ensure aviation safety;
        (14) minimum standards for protecting civil aircraft, 
    aeronautical products and articles, aviation networks, aviation 
    systems, services, and operations from cyber threats and cyber 
    incidents;
        (15) international collaboration, where appropriate and 
    consistent with the interests of aviation safety in air commerce 
    and national security, with other civil aviation authorities, 
    international aviation and standards organizations, and any other 
    appropriate entities to protect civil aviation from cyber incidents 
    and cyber threats;
        (16) activities of the Administrator under section 506 of the 
    FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44704 note) (as amended 
    by section 394); and
        (17) any other matter the Administrator determines appropriate.
    (h) Definitions.--The definitions set forth in section 40131 of 
title 49, United States Code (as added by this subtitle), shall apply 
to this section.
    SEC. 396. GAO REPORT ON CYBERSECURITY OF COMMERCIAL AVIATION 
      AVIONICS.
    (a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a review on 
the consideration, identification, and inclusion of aircraft 
cybersecurity into the strategic framework of principles and policies 
developed pursuant to section 2111 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note).
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the review under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall assess--
        (1) how onboard aircraft cybersecurity risks and 
    vulnerabilities are defined, identified, and accounted for in the 
    comprehensive and strategic framework described in subsection (a), 
    including how the implementation of such framework protects and 
    defends FAA networks and systems to mitigate risks to FAA missions 
    and service delivery;
        (2) how onboard aircraft cybersecurity, particularly of 
    aircraft avionics, is considered, incorporated, and prioritized for 
    mitigation in the cybersecurity strategy, including pursuant to the 
    framework described in paragraph (1);
        (3) how the Transportation Security Agency and FAA 
    differentiate and manage the roles and responsibilities for the 
    cybersecurity of aircraft and ground systems;
        (4) how cybersecurity vulnerabilities of aircraft and ground 
    systems are considered, incorporated, and prioritized for 
    mitigation in the cybersecurity strategy; and
        (5) the budgets of the parties responsible for implementing the 
    strategy framework for aviation security, as identified in 
    subsection (a), to satisfy mitigation requirements necessary to 
    secure the aviation ecosystem from onboard cybersecurity 
    vulnerabilities.
    (c) Report Required.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report 
containing the results of the review required by this section to--
        (1) the appropriate committees of Congress;
        (2) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of 
    Representatives; and
        (3) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 
    of the Senate.

                     TITLE IV--AEROSPACE WORKFORCE

    SEC. 401. REPEAL OF DUPLICATIVE OR OBSOLETE WORKFORCE PROGRAMS.
    (a) Repeal.--Sections 44510 and 44515 of title 49, United States 
Code, are repealed.
    (b) Clerical Amendments.--The analysis for chapter 445 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the items relating to 
sections 44510 and 44515.
    SEC. 402. CIVIL AIRMEN STATISTICS.
    (a) Publication Frequency.--The Administrator shall publish the 
study commonly referred to as the ``U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics'' on a 
monthly basis.
    (b) Presentation of Data.--The Administrator shall make the data 
from the study under subsection (a) publicly available on the website 
of the Administration in a user-friendly, downloadable format.
    (c) Expanded Data Criteria.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure that data sets 
and tables published as part of the study described in subsection (a) 
display information relating to the sex of certificate holders in more 
instances.
    (d) Historical Data.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make all previously 
published annual data from the study described in subsection (a) 
available on the website of the Administration.
    SEC. 403. BESSIE COLEMAN WOMEN IN AVIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish the Bessie Coleman 
Women in Aviation Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as 
the ``Committee'').
    (b) Purpose.--The Committee shall advise the Secretary and the 
Administrator on matters and policies related to promoting the 
recruitment, retention, employment, education, training, career 
advancement, and well-being of women in the aviation industry and 
aviation-focused Federal civil service positions.
    (c) Form of Directives.--All activities carried out by the 
Committee, including special committees, shall be in response to 
written terms of work from the Secretary or taskings approved by a 
majority of the voting members of the Committee and may not duplicate 
the objectives of the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking 
Committee.
    (d) Functions.--In carrying out the directives described in 
subsection (c), the functions of the Committee are as follows:
        (1) Foster industry collaboration in an open and transparent 
    manner by engaging, as prescribed by this section, with 
    representatives of the private sector associated with an entity 
    described in subsection (e)(1)(B).
        (2) Make recommendations for strategic objectives, priorities, 
    and policies that would improve the recruitment, retention, 
    training, and career advancement of women in aviation professions.
        (3) Evaluate opportunities for the Administration to improve 
    the recruitment and retention of women in the Administration.
        (4) Periodically review and update the recommendations directed 
    to the FAA and non-FAA entities produced by the Advisory Board 
    created pursuant to section 612 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
    2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) to improve the implementation of such 
    recommendations.
        (5) Coordinate with the Office of Civil Rights of the 
    Department of Transportation and the Federal Women's Program of the 
    FAA to ensure directives described in subsection (c) do not 
    duplicate objectives of such office or program.
    (e) Membership.--
        (1) Voting members.--The Committee shall be composed of the 
    following members:
            (A) The Administrator, or the designee of the 
        Administrator.
            (B) At least 25 individuals, appointed by the Secretary, 
        representing the following:
                (i) Aircraft manufacturers and aerospace companies.
                (ii) Public and private aviation labor organizations, 
            including collective bargaining representatives of--

                    (I) aviation safety inspectors and safety engineers 
                of the FAA;
                    (II) air traffic controllers;
                    (III) certified aircraft maintenance technicians; 
                and
                    (IV) commercial airline crewmembers.

                (iii) General aviation operators.
                (iv) Air carriers.
                (v) Business aviation operators, including powered-lift 
            operators.
                (vi) Unmanned aircraft systems operators.
                (vii) Aviation safety management experts.
                (viii) Aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul 
            entities.
                (ix) Airport owners, operators, and employees.
                (x) Institutions of higher education (as defined in 
            section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
            1001)), a postsecondary vocational institution (as defined 
            in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
            U.S.C. 1002)), or a high school or secondary school (as 
            such terms are defined in section 8101 of the Elementary 
            and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
                (xi) A flight school that provides flight training, as 
            defined in part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal 
            Regulations, or that holds a pilot school certificate under 
            part 141 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
                (xii) Aviation maintenance technician schools governed 
            under part 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
                (xiii) Engineering business associations.
                (xiv) Civil Air Patrol.
                (xv) Nonprofit organizations within the aviation 
            industry.
        (2) Nonvoting members.--
            (A) In general.--In addition to the members appointed under 
        paragraph (1), the Committee shall be composed of not more than 
        5 nonvoting members appointed by the Secretary from among 
        officers or employees of the FAA, at least 1 of which shall be 
        an employee of the Office of Civil Rights of the FAA.
            (B) Additional nonvoting members.--The Secretary may invite 
        representatives from the Department of Education and Department 
        of Labor to serve as nonvoting members on the Committee.
            (C) Duties.--The nonvoting members may--
                (i) take part in deliberations of the Committee; and
                (ii) provide subject matter expertise with respect to 
            reports and recommendations of the Committee.
            (D) Limitation.--The nonvoting members may not represent 
        any stakeholder interest other than that of the respective 
        Federal agency of the member.
        (3) Terms.--Each voting member and nonvoting member of the 
    Committee appointed by the Secretary shall be appointed for a term 
    that expires not later than the date on which the authorization of 
    the Committee expires under subsection (k).
        (4) Committee characteristics.--The Committee shall have the 
    following characteristics:
            (A) The ability to obtain necessary information from 
        additional experts in the aviation and aerospace communities.
            (B) A membership that enables the Committee to have 
        substantive discussions and reach consensus on issues in a 
        timely manner.
            (C) Appropriate expertise, including expertise in human 
        resources, human capital management, policy, labor relations, 
        employment training, workforce development, and youth outreach.
        (5) Date.--Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment 
    of this Act, the Secretary shall make the appointments described in 
    this subsection.
    (f) Chairperson.--
        (1) In general.--The Committee shall select a chairperson from 
    among the voting members of the Committee.
        (2) Term.--The Chairperson shall serve a 2-year term.
    (g) Meetings.--
        (1) Frequency.--The Committee shall meet at least twice each 
    year at the call of the Chairperson or the Secretary.
        (2) Public attendance.--The meetings of the Committee shall be 
    open and accessible to the public.
        (3) Administrative support.--The Secretary shall furnish the 
    Committee with logistical and administrative support to enable the 
    Committee to perform the duties of the Committee.
    (h) Special Committees.--
        (1) Establishment.--The Committee may establish special 
    committees composed of industry representatives, members of the 
    public, labor representatives, and other relevant parties in 
    complying with the consultation and participation requirements 
    under subsection (d).
        (2) Applicable law.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code, 
    shall not apply to a special committee established by the 
    Committee.
    (i) Personnel Matters.--
        (1) No compensation of members.--
            (A) Non-federal employees.--A member of the Committee who 
        is not an officer or employee of the Government shall serve 
        without compensation.
            (B) Federal employees.--A member of the Committee who is an 
        officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve 
        without compensation in addition to the compensation received 
        for the services of the member as an officer or employee of the 
        Federal Government.
        (2) Death or resignation.--If a member of the Committee dies or 
    resigns during the term of service of such member, the Secretary 
    shall designate a successor for the unexpired term of such member.
    (j) Reports.--
        (1) Task reports.--The Committee shall submit to the Secretary 
    and the appropriate committees of Congress annual reports detailing 
    the completion of each directive summarizing the--
            (A) findings and associated recommendations of the 
        Committee for any legislative and administrative actions the 
        Committee considers appropriate to improve the advancement of 
        women in aviation; and
            (B) planned activities of the Committee, as directed by the 
        Secretary or approved by a majority of voting members of the 
        Committee, and proposed terms of work to fulfill each activity.
        (2) Additional reports.--The Committee may submit to the 
    appropriate committees of Congress, the Secretary, and the 
    Administrator additional reports and recommendations related to 
    education, training, recruitment, retention, and advancement of 
    women in the aviation industry as the Committee determines 
    appropriate.
    (k) Sunset.--The authorization of the Committee shall expire on 
October 1, 2028.
    SEC. 404. FAA ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION WITH HBCUS AND MSIS.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator--
        (1) shall continue--
            (A) to partner with and conduct outreach to Historically 
        Black Colleges and Universities and minority serving 
        institutions to promote awareness of educational and career 
        opportunities, including the Educational Partnership Initiative 
        of the FAA, and develop curriculum related to aerospace, 
        aviation, and air traffic control; and
            (B) operation of the Minority Serving Institutions 
        Internship Program; and
        (2) may--
            (A) make internship placements under the Minority Serving 
        Institutions Internship Program available during academic 
        sessions throughout the year; and
            (B) extend an internship placement under the Minority 
        Serving Institutions Internship Program for a student beyond a 
        single academic session.
    (b) Program Data.--In carrying out the Minority Serving 
Institutions Internship Program, the Administrator shall track data, 
including annual metrics measuring the following with respect to such 
Program:
        (1) The total number of applicants.
        (2) The total number of applicants offered an internship and 
    the total number of applicants who accept an internship.
        (3) The line of business in which each intern is placed.
        (4) The conversion rate of interns in the Program who are hired 
    as full-time FAA employees.
    (c) Minority Serving Institution Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``minority serving institution'' means an institution described in 
paragraphs (1) through (7) of section 371(a) of the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
    SEC. 405. AIRMAN KNOWLEDGE TESTING WORKING GROUP.
    (a) Working Group.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee to establish a working group to assess 
and evaluate the appropriateness of allowing a high school student, 
upon successful completion of an aviation maintenance curriculum, to 
take the general written knowledge portion of the mechanic exam 
described in section 65.75 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, at 
an FAA-approved testing center.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the Aviation Rulemaking 
Advisory Committee tasks the working group under subsection (a), the 
working group shall submit to the Administrator a final report with 
relevant findings and recommendations.
    (c) High School Defined.--In this section, the term ``high school'' 
has the meaning given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
    SEC. 406. AIRMAN CERTIFICATION STANDARDS.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall use the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee Airman Certification System Working Group 
(in this section referred to as the ``Working Group'') to review airman 
certification standards and ensure that airman proficiency and 
knowledge correlates and corresponds to regulations, procedures, 
equipment, aviation infrastructure, and safety trends at the time of 
such review.
    (b) Duties.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Working Group 
shall--
        (1) obtain industry recommendations on maintaining and updating 
    airman certification standards, including guidance documents and 
    airman tests;
        (2) ensure tasks carried out by the Working Group are addressed 
    and completed in a timely and efficient manner; and
        (3) recommend to the Administrator a means by which the FAA may 
    communicate to industry the process for establishing, updating, and 
    maintaining airman certification standards, including relevant 
    guidance documents, handbooks, and airman test materials.
    SEC. 407. AIRMAN'S MEDICAL BILL OF RIGHTS.
    (a) In General.--
        (1) Development.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a document 
    (in this section referred to as the ``Airman's Medical Bill of 
    Rights'') detailing the rights of an individual before, during, and 
    after a medical examination conducted by an Aviation Medical 
    Examiner.
        (2) Contents.--The Airman's Medical Bill of Rights required 
    under paragraph (1) shall, at a minimum, contain information about 
    the right of an individual to--
            (A) bring a trusted companion or request to have a 
        chaperone present for a medical examination;
            (B) terminate an exam in accordance with guidelines from 
        the Administrator for appropriately terminating such exam;
            (C) receive medical examination with respect and 
        recognition of the dignity of the individual;
            (D) be assured of privacy and confidentiality;
            (E) select an Aviation Medical Examiner of the choice of 
        the individual, as long as the Aviation Medical Examiner has 
        the required designations;
            (F) privacy when changing, undressing, and using the 
        restroom;
            (G) ask questions about FAA medical standards and the 
        applicability to the current health status of the individual;
            (H) report an incident of misconduct by an Aviation Medical 
        Examiner to the appropriate authorities, including to the State 
        licensing board of the Aviation Medical Examiner or the FAA;
            (I) report to the Administrator an allegation regarding 
        alleged Aviation Medical Examiner misconduct without fear of 
        retaliation or negative action relating to an airman 
        certificate of the individual; and
            (J) be advised of any known conflicts of interest an 
        Aviation Medical Examiner may have with respect to the medical 
        examination of the individual.
        (3) Public availability.--The Airman's Medical Bill of Rights 
    required under paragraph (1) shall be--
            (A) made available to, and acknowledged by, an individual 
        in the MedXpress system (or any successor system);
            (B) made available in a hard-copy format by an Aviation 
        Medical Examiner at the time of exam upon request by an 
        individual; and
            (C) displayed in a common space in the office of the 
        Aviation Medical Examiner.
    (b) Expectations for Medical Examinations.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a simplified 
    document explaining the standard procedures performed during a 
    medical examination conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner.
        (2) Public availability.--The document required under paragraph 
    (1) shall be--
            (A) made available to, and acknowledged by, an individual 
        in the MedXpress system (or any successor system);
            (B) made available in a hard-copy format by an Aviation 
        Medical Examiner at the time of exam upon request by an 
        individual; and
            (C) displayed in a common space in the office of the 
        Aviation Medical Examiner.
    SEC. 408. IMPROVED DESIGNEE MISCONDUCT REPORTING PROCESS.
    (a) Improved Designee Misconduct Reporting Process.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a 
    streamlined process for individuals involved in incidents of 
    alleged misconduct by a designee to report such incidents in a 
    manner that protects the privacy and confidentiality of such 
    individuals.
        (2) Public access to reporting process.--The process for 
    reporting alleged misconduct by a designee shall be made available 
    to the public on the website of the Administration, including--
            (A) the designee locator search webpage; and
            (B) the webpage of the Office of Audit and Evaluation of 
        the FAA.
        (3) Obligation to report criminal charges.--Not later than 90 
    days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
    shall revise the orders and policies governing the Designee 
    Management System to clarify that designees are obligated to report 
    any arrest, indictment, or conviction for violation of a local, 
    State, or Federal law within a period of time specified by the 
    Administrator.
        (4) Audit of reporting process by inspector general.--
            (A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date on 
        which the Administrator finalizes the update of the reporting 
        process under paragraph (1), the inspector general of the 
        Department of Transportation shall conduct an audit of such 
        reporting process.
            (B) Contents.--In conducting the audit of the reporting 
        process described in subparagraph (A), the inspector general 
        shall, at a minimum--
                (i) review the efforts of the Administration to improve 
            the reporting process and solutions developed to respond to 
            and investigate allegations of misconduct;
                (ii) analyze reports of misconduct brought to the 
            Administrator prior to any changes made to the reporting 
            process as a result of the enactment of this Act, including 
            the ultimate outcomes of those reports and whether any 
            reports resulted in the Administrator taking action against 
            the accused designee;
                (iii) determine whether the reporting process results 
            in appropriate action, including reviewing, investigating, 
            and closing out reports; and
                (iv) if applicable, make recommendations to improve the 
            reporting process.
            (C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
        initiation of the audit described in subparagraph (A), the 
        inspector general shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
        Congress a report on the results of such audit, including 
        findings and recommendations.
    (b) Designee Defined.--In this section, the term ``designee'' means 
an individual who has been designated to act as a representative of the 
Administrator as--
        (1) an Aviation Medical Examiner (as described in section 
    183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
        (2) a pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of such 
    title); or
        (3) a technical personnel examiner (as described in section 
    183.25 of such title).
    SEC. 409. REPORT ON SAFE UNIFORM OPTIONS FOR CERTAIN AVIATION 
      EMPLOYEES.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall review whether air 
carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, and repair stations certificated under part 145 of such 
title have in place uniform policies and uniform offerings that ensure 
pregnant employees can perform required duties safely.
    (b) Consultation.--In conducting the review required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with air carriers and 
repair stations described in subsection (a) and employees of such air 
carriers and such stations who are required to adhere to a uniform 
policy.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the results of the review required under subsection (a).
    SEC. 410. HUMAN FACTORS PROFESSIONALS.
    The Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to 
establish a new work code for human factors professionals who--
        (1) perform work involving the design and testing of 
    technologies, processes, and systems which require effective and 
    safe human performance;
        (2) generate and apply theories, principles, practical 
    concepts, systems, and processes related to the design and testing 
    of technologies, systems, and training programs to support and 
    evaluate human performance in work contexts; and
        (3) meet education or experience requirements as determined by 
    the Administrator.
    SEC. 411. AEROMEDICAL INNOVATION AND MODERNIZATION WORKING GROUP.
    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a working 
group (in this section referred to as the ``working group'') to review 
the medical processes, policies, and procedures of the Administration 
and to make recommendations to the Administrator on modernizing such 
processes, policies, and procedures to ensure timely and efficient 
certification of airmen.
    (b) Membership.--
        (1) In general.--The working group shall consist of--
            (A) 2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2); and
            (B) not less than 15 individuals appointed by the 
        Administrator, each of whom shall have knowledge or a 
        background in aerospace medicine, psychiatry, neurology, 
        cardiology, or internal medicine.
        (2) Co-chairs.--The working group shall be co-chaired by--
            (A) the Federal Air Surgeon of the FAA; and
            (B) a member described under paragraph (1)(A) to be 
        selected by members of the working group.
        (3) Preference.--The Administrator, in appointing members 
    pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), shall give preference to--
            (A) Aviation Medical Examiners (as described in section 
        183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations);
            (B) licensed medical physicians;
            (C) practitioners holding a pilot certificate; and
            (D) individuals having demonstrated research and expertise 
        in aeromedical research or sciences.
    (c) Activities.--In reviewing the aeromedical decision-making 
processes, policies, and procedures of the Administration in accordance 
with subsection (a), the working group, at a minimum, shall--
        (1) assess the medical conditions an Aviation Medical Examiner 
    may issue a medical certificate directly to an individual;
        (2) determine the appropriateness of the list of such medical 
    conditions as of the date of enactment of this Act;
        (3) assess the special issuance process;
        (4) determine the appropriateness of whether a renewal of a 
    special issuance can be based on a medical evaluation and treatment 
    plan by the treating medical specialist of the individual pursuant 
    to approval from an Aviation Medical Examiner;
        (5) evaluate advancements in technologies to address forms of 
    red-green color blindness and determine whether such technologies 
    may be approved for use by airmen;
        (6) review policies and guidance relating to Attention-Deficit 
    Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder;
        (7) evaluate whether medications used to treat such disorders 
    may be safely prescribed to airmen;
        (8) review protocols pertaining to the Human Intervention 
    Motivation Study of the FAA;
        (9) review protocols and policies relating to--
            (A) neurological disorders; and
            (B) cardiovascular conditions to ensure alignment with 
        medical best practices, latest research;
        (10) review mental health protocols and medications approved 
    for treating such mental health conditions, including such actions 
    taken resulting from recommendations by the Mental Health and 
    Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee;
        (11) assess processes and protocols pertaining to 
    recertification of airmen receiving disability insurance post-
    recovery from the medical condition, injury, or disability that 
    precludes airmen from exercising the privileges of an airman 
    certificate;
        (12) assess processes and protocols pertaining to the 
    certification of veterans reporting a disability rating from the 
    Department of Veterans Affairs; and
        (13) assess and evaluate the user interface and information-
    sharing capabilities of any online medical portal administered by 
    the FAA.
    (d) Aviation Workforce Mental Health Task Group.--
        (1) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the working 
    group pursuant to subsection (a) is established, the co-chairs of 
    such working group shall establish an aviation workforce mental 
    health task group (referred to in this subsection as the ``task 
    group'') to oversee, monitor, and evaluate efforts of the 
    Administrator related to supporting the mental health of the 
    aviation workforce.
        (2) Composition.--The co-chairs of such working group shall 
    appoint--
            (A) a Chair of the task group; and
            (B) members of the task group from among the members of the 
        working group appointed by the Administrator under subsection 
        (b)(1).
        (3) Duties.--The duties of the task group shall include--
            (A) carrying out the activities described in subsection 
        (c)(10);
            (B) soliciting feedback from aviation industry 
        professionals or other licensed professionals representing air 
        carrier operations under part 121 and part 135 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations, and general aviation operations 
        under part 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
            (C) reviewing and evaluating guidance issued by the 
        International Civil Aviation Organization on aviation workforce 
        mental health;
            (D) providing advice, as appropriate, on the implementation 
        of the final recommendations issued by the inspector general of 
        the Department of Transportation in the report titled, ``FAA 
        Conduct Comprehensive Evaluations of Pilots With Mental Health 
        Challenges, but Opportunities Exist to Further Mitigate Safety 
        Risks'', published on July 12, 2023 (AV2023038);
            (E) monitoring and evaluating the implementation of 
        recommendations by the Mental Health and Aviation Medical 
        Clearances Rulemaking Committee;
            (F) expanding and improving mental health outreach, 
        education, and assistance programs for the aviation workforce; 
        and
            (G) reducing the stigma associated with mental healthcare 
        in the aviation workforce.
        (4) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
    establishment of the task group, the task group shall submit to the 
    Secretary and the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
    detailing--
            (A) the results of the review under paragraph (3)(A); and
            (B) progress on the implementation of recommendations 
        pursuant to subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (3); and
            (C) the activities carried out pursuant to fulfilling the 
        duties described in subparagraphs (F) and (G) of paragraph (3).
    (e) Support.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into 1 or more 
agreements with the National Academies to support the activities of the 
working group described in subsection (c).
    (f) Findings and Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the working 
group shall submit to the Administrator and the appropriate committees 
of Congress a report on the findings and recommendations resulting from 
the activities carried out under subsection (c).
    (g) Implementation.--Not later than 1 year after receiving 
recommendations outlined in the report under subsection (f), the 
Administrator may take such action, as appropriate, to implement such 
recommendations.
    (h) Sunset.--The working group shall terminate on October 1, 2028.
    SEC. 412. FRONTLINE MANAGER WORKLOAD STUDY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a study on frontline 
manager workload challenges in air traffic control facilities.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator may--
        (1) consider--
            (A) workload challenges including--
                (i) the tasks expected to be performed by frontline 
            managers, including employee development, management, and 
            counseling;
                (ii) the number of supervisory positions of operations 
            requiring watch coverage in each air traffic control 
            facility;
                (iii) the complexity of traffic and managerial 
            responsibilities; and
                (iv) proficiency and training requirements;
            (B) facility type;
            (C) facility staffing levels; and
            (D) any other factors as the Administrator considers 
        appropriate; and
        (2) describe recommendations for updates to the Frontline 
    Manager's Quick Reference Guide that reflect current operational 
    standards.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
    SEC. 413. MEDICAL PORTAL MODERNIZATION TASK GROUP.
    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the working group 
pursuant to section 411 is established, the co-chairs of such working 
group shall establish a medical portal modernization task group (in 
this section referred to as the ``task group'') to evaluate the user 
interface and information sharing capabilities of an online medical 
portal administered by the FAA.
    (b) Composition.--The co-chairs of the working group provided for 
in section 411 shall appoint--
        (1) a Chair of the task group; and
        (2) members of the task group from among the members of the 
    working group appointed by the Administrator under section 411(b).
    (c) Assessment; Recommendations.--The task group shall, at a 
minimum, assess and evaluate the capabilities of any such medical 
portal and provide recommendations to improve the following:
        (1) The cybersecurity protections and protocols of any such 
    medical portal, including the secure exchange of health information 
    and records between Aviation Medical Examiners and pilots, or their 
    designee, including the ability for airmen to submit additional 
    information requested by the Administrator.
        (2) The status of an airman's medical application and the 
    disclosure of how long an airman can expect to wait for a final 
    determination to be issued by the Administrator.
        (3) The disclosure of the name and contact information of the 
    Administrator's representative managing an airman's case so that an 
    Aviation Medical Examiner has a point of contact within the 
    Administration who is familiar with an airman's application.
    (d) Consultation.--In carrying out the duties described in 
subsection (c), the task group may consult with cybersecurity experts 
and individuals with a knowledge of securing electronic health care 
transactions.
    (e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
establishment of the task group, the task group shall submit to the 
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
detailing activities and recommendations of the task group.
    (f) Implementation.--Not later than 1 year after receiving the 
report described in subsection (e), the Administrator may take such 
action as may be necessary to implement recommendations of the task 
group to improve any such medical portal.
    SEC. 414. STUDY OF HIGH SCHOOL AVIATION MAINTENANCE TRAINING 
      PROGRAMS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study to assess 
high school aviation maintenance technician programs and identify any 
barriers for graduates of such programs with respect to--
        (1) pursuing post-secondary or vocational academic training at 
    an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school; or
        (2) obtaining the training and experience necessary to become 
    an FAA-certificated mechanic through on-the-job training or 
    alternative pathways.
    (b) Contents.--The study required under subsection (a) shall assess 
the following:
        (1) The number of high school aviation maintenance programs in 
    the United States and the typical career outcomes for graduates of 
    such programs.
        (2) The extent to which such programs offer curricula that 
    align with FAA mechanic Airman Certification Standards.
        (3) The number of such programs that partner with FAA-approved 
    aviation maintenance technician schools (as described in part 147 
    of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations).
        (4) The level of engagement between the FAA and high school 
    aviation maintenance programs with respect to developing curricula 
    to build the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for a 
    student to attain FAA mechanic certification and associated 
    ratings.
        (5) Barriers to accessing the general knowledge test described 
    in section 65.71(a)(3) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (6) The applicability of all FAA regulations and policies in 
    effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act as such 
    regulations and policies apply to student enrollees of high school 
    aviation maintenance programs and whether such regulations or 
    policies pose any barriers to students interested in pursuing a 
    career in the field of aviation maintenance.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the completion of the 
study required under this section, the Comptroller General shall 
provide to the Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress 
a report on the findings of such study, including recommendations for 
any legislative and administrative actions as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.
    SEC. 415. IMPROVED ACCESS TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SIMULATION 
      TRAINING.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue making tower 
simulator systems (in this section referred to as ``TSS'') more 
accessible to all air traffic controller specialists assigned to an air 
traffic control tower of the FAA (in this section referred to as an 
``ATCT''), regardless of facility assignment.
    (b) Cloud-based Visual Database and Software System.--Not later 
than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall develop and implement a cloud-based visual database 
and software system that is compatible with existing and future TSS 
that, at a minimum, includes--
        (1) the unique runway layout, approach paths, and lines of 
    sight of every ATCT; and
        (2) specifications that meet all applicable data security 
    requirements.
    (c) TSS Upgrades.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall upgrade existing, 
permanent TSS so that the TSS is, at a minimum, capable of--
        (1) securely and quickly downloading data from the cloud-based 
    visual database and software system described in subsection (b); 
    and
        (2) running scenarios for each ATCT involving differing levels 
    of air traffic volume and varying complexities, including, aircraft 
    emergencies, rapidly changing weather, issuance of safety alerts, 
    special air traffic procedures for events of national or 
    international significance, and recovering from unforeseen events 
    or losses of separation.
    (d) Mobile TSS.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall acquire and implement mobile TSS 
at each ATCT that is without an existing, permanent TSS so that the 
mobile TSS is capable of, at a minimum, the capabilities described in 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c).
    (e) Collaboration.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator 
may collaborate with the exclusive bargaining representative of air 
traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
States Code.
    SEC. 416. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER INSTRUCTOR RECRUITMENT, HIRING, 
      AND RETENTION.
    (a) In General.--No later than 270 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a study examining the 
recruitment, hiring, and retention of air traffic controller 
instructors and the projected number of instructors needed to maintain 
the safety of the national airspace system over a 5-year period 
beginning with fiscal year 2025.
    (b) Contents.--The Administrator shall include in the study 
required under subsection (a) the following:
        (1) An examination of projected instructor staffing targets, 
    including the number of on-the-job instructors needed for the 
    instruction and training of Certified Professional Controllers (in 
    this section referred to as ``CPCs'') in training.
        (2) An analysis on whether involving additional retired CPCs as 
    instructors, including for classroom training, would produce 
    improvements in air traffic controller instruction and training.
        (3) Recommendations on how and where to utilize retired CPCs.
        (4) The effect on the ability of active CPCs to carry out on-
    the-job duties, other than instruction, and any related 
    efficiencies if additional retired CPCs were involved as 
    instructors.
        (5) The known vulnerabilities, as categorized by FAA Air 
    Traffic Organization regions, in cases in which the FAA requires 
    CPCs to provide instruction and training to CPCs in training is a 
    significant burden on FAA air traffic controller staffing levels.
    (c) Deadline.--Not later than 2 years after the date on which the 
Administrator initiates the study required under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
results of the study and any actions that may be taken by the 
Administrator based on such results.
    SEC. 417. ENSURING HIRING OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALISTS IS 
      BASED ON ASSESSMENT OF JOB-RELEVANT APTITUDES.
    (a) Review of the Air Traffic Skills Assessment.--Not later than 
180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
shall review and revise, if necessary, the Air Traffic Skills 
Assessment (in this section referred to as the ``AT-SA'') administered 
to air traffic controller applicants described in clauses (ii) and 
(iii) of section 44506(f)(1)(B) of title 49, United States Code, in 
accordance with the following requirements, the Administrator shall:
        (1) Evaluate all questions on the AT-SA and determine whether a 
    peer-reviewed job analysis that ensures all questions test job-
    relevant aptitudes would result in improvements in the air traffic 
    control specialist workforce training and hiring process.
        (2) Assess the assumptions and methodologies used to develop 
    the AT-SA, the job-relevant aptitudes measured, and the scoring 
    process for the assessment.
        (3) Assess whether any other revisions to the AT-SA are 
    necessary to enhance the air traffic control specialist workforce 
    training and hiring process.
    (b) DOT Inspector General Report.--Not later than 180 days after 
the completion of the review and any necessary revision of the AT-SA 
required under subsection (a), the inspector general of the Department 
of Transportation shall submit to the Administrator, the appropriate 
committees of Congress, and, upon request, to any member of Congress, a 
report that assesses the AT-SA and any applicable revisions, a 
description of any associated actions taken by the Administrator, and 
any other recommendations to address the results of the report.
    SEC. 418. PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE VETERANS WITH PILOT TRAINING 
      SERVICES.
    (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary 
of Education and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish a 
pilot program to provide grants to eligible entities to provide pilot 
training activities and related education to support a pathway for 
veterans to become commercial aviators.
    (b) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term ``eligible entity'' 
means a pilot school or provisional pilot school that--
        (1) holds an Air Agency Certificate under part 141 of title 14, 
    Code of Federal Regulations; and
        (2) has an established employment pathway with at least 1 air 
    carrier operating under part 121 or 135 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations.
    (c) Priority Application.--In selecting eligible entities under 
this section, the Secretary shall prioritize eligible entities that 
meet the following criteria:
        (1) An eligible entity accredited (as defined in section 61.1 
    of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) by an accrediting agency 
    recognized by the Secretary of Education.
        (2) An eligible entity that holds a letter of authorization 
    issued in accordance with section 61.169 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations.
    (d) Use of Funds.--Amounts from a grant received by an eligible 
entity under the pilot program established under subsection (a) shall 
be used for the following:
        (1) Administrative costs related to implementation of the 
    program described in subsection (a) not to exceed 5 percent of the 
    amount awarded.
        (2) To provide guidance and pilot training services, including 
    tuition and flight training fees for veterans enrolled with an 
    eligible entity, to support such veterans in obtaining any of the 
    following pilot certificates and ratings:
            (A) Private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine 
        or multi-engine ratings.
            (B) Instrument rating.
            (C) Commercial pilot certificate with airplane single-
        engine or multi-engine ratings.
            (D) Multi-engine rating.
            (E) Certificated flight instructor single-engine 
        certificate, if applicable to the degree sought.
            (F) Certificated flight instructor multi-engine 
        certificate, if applicable to the degree sought.
            (G) Certificated flight instructor instrument certificate, 
        if applicable to the degree sought.
        (3) To provide educational materials, training materials, and 
    equipment to support pilot training activities and related 
    education for veterans enrolled with the eligible entity.
        (4) To provide periodic reports to the Secretary on use of the 
    grant funds, including documentation of training completion of the 
    certificates and ratings described in subparagraphs (A) through (G) 
    of paragraph (2).
    (e) Award Amount Limit.--An award granted to an eligible entity 
shall not exceed more than $750,000 in any given fiscal year.
    (f) Appropriations.--To carry out this section, there is authorized 
to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
2028.
    SEC. 419. PROVIDING NON-FEDERAL WEATHER OBSERVER TRAINING TO 
      AIRPORT PERSONNEL.
    The Administrator may take such actions as are necessary to provide 
training that is easily accessible and streamlined for airport 
personnel to become certified as non-Federal weather observers so that 
such personnel can manually provide weather observations in any case in 
which automated surface observing systems and automated weather 
observing systems experience outages and errors to ensure operational 
safety at airports.
    SEC. 420. PROHIBITION OF REMOTE DISPATCHING.
    (a) Amendments to Prohibition.--
        (1) In general.--Section 44711(a) of title 49, United States 
    Code, is amended--
            (A) in paragraph (9) by striking ``or'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11); and
            (C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
        ``(10) work as an aircraft dispatcher outside of a physical 
    location designated as a dispatching center or flight following 
    center of an air carrier, except as provided under section 44747; 
    or''.
        (2) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue regulations 
    requiring persons to comply with section 44711(a)(10) of title 49, 
    United States Code (as added by paragraph (1)).
    (b) Aircraft Dispatching.--
        (1) In general.--Chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code, 
    is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44748. Aircraft dispatching
    ``(a) Aircraft Dispatching Certificate.--No person may serve as an 
aircraft dispatcher for an air carrier unless such person holds the 
appropriate aircraft dispatcher certificate issued by the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration.
    ``(b) Proof of Certification.--Upon the request of the 
Administrator or an authorized representative of the National 
Transportation Safety Board, or other appropriate Federal agency, a 
person who holds such a certificate, and is performing dispatching, 
shall present the certificate for inspection.
    ``(c) Dispatch Centers and Flight Following Centers.--
        ``(1) Establishment.--Each air carrier shall establish and 
    maintain sufficient dispatch centers and flight following centers 
    necessary to maintain operational control of each flight of the air 
    carrier at all times.
        ``(2) Requirements.--An air carrier shall ensure that each 
    dispatch center and flight following center of the air carrier--
            ``(A) has a sufficient number of aircraft dispatchers on 
        duty at the dispatch center or flight following center to 
        ensure proper operational control of each flight of the air 
        carrier at all times;
            ``(B) has the necessary equipment, in good repair, to 
        maintain proper operational control of each flight of the air 
        carrier at all times; and
            ``(C) includes the presence of physical security and 
        cybersecurity protections to prevent unauthorized access to the 
        dispatch center or flight following center or to the operations 
        of either such center.
    ``(d) Prohibition.--
        ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), an air 
    carrier may not dispatch aircraft from any location other than the 
    dispatch center or flight following center of the air carrier.
        ``(2) Emergency authority.--In the event of an emergency or 
    other event that renders a dispatch center or a flight following 
    center inoperable, an air carrier may dispatch aircraft from a 
    location other than the dispatch center or flight following center 
    of the air carrier for a period of time not to exceed 14 
    consecutive days per location without approval of the 
    Administrator.''.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 447 of such 
    title is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``44748. Aircraft dispatching.''.
    SEC. 421. CREWMEMBER PUMPING GUIDANCE.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue guidance to part 
121 air carriers relating to the expression of milk by crewmembers on 
an aircraft during noncritical phases of flight, consistent with the 
performance of the crewmember's duties aboard the aircraft. The 
guidance shall be equally applicable to any lactating crewmember. In 
developing the guidance, the Administrator shall--
        (1) consider multiple methods of expressing breast milk that 
    could be used by crewmembers, including the use of wearable 
    lactation technology; and
        (2) ensure the guidance will not require an air carrier or 
    foreign air carrier to incur significant expense, such as through--
            (A) the addition of an extra crewmember in response to 
        providing a break;
            (B) removal or retrofitting of seats on the aircraft; or
            (C) modification or retrofitting of an aircraft.
    (b) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Crewmember.--The term ``crewmember'' has the meaning given 
    such term in section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (2) Critical phases of flight.--The term ``critical phases of 
    flight'' has the meaning given such term in section 121.542 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (3) Part 121.--The term ``part 121'' means part 121 of title 
    14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (c) Aviation Safety.--Nothing in this section shall limit the 
authority of the Administrator relating to aviation safety under 
subtitle VII of title 49, United States Code.
    SEC. 422. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON EXTENT AND EFFECTS OF COMMERCIAL 
      AVIATION PILOT SHORTAGE ON REGIONAL/COMMUTER CARRIERS.
    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study to 
identify the extent and effects of the commercial aviation pilot 
shortage on regional/commuter carriers (as such term is defined in 
section 41719(d) of title 49, United States Code).
    (b) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the study 
conducted under subsection (a), including recommendations for such 
legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.
    SEC. 423. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF FEDERAL 
      AVIATION ADMINISTRATION YOUTH ACCESS TO AMERICAN JOBS IN AVIATION 
      TASK FORCE.
    Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the implementation of 
the following recommendations of the Youth Access to American Jobs in 
Aviation Task Force of the FAA established under section 602 of the FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254):
        (1) Improve information access about careers in aviation and 
    aerospace.
        (2) Collaboration across regions of the FAA on outreach and 
    workforce development programs.
        (3) Increase opportunities for mentoring, pre-apprenticeships, 
    and apprenticeships in aviation.
    SEC. 424. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON IMPROVING UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM 
      STAFFING AT FAA.
    It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should leverage 
the Unmanned Aircraft System Collegiate Training Initiative to address 
any staffing challenges and skills gaps within the FAA to support 
efforts to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems 
and other new airspace entrants into the national airspace system.
    SEC. 425. JOINT AVIATION EMPLOYMENT TRAINING WORKING GROUP.
    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an interagency 
working group (in this section referred to as the ``working group'') to 
advise the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense on matters and 
policies related to increasing awareness of the eligibility, training, 
and experience requirements needed to become an FAA-certified or a 
military-covered aviation professional in order to improve career 
transitions between the military and civilian workforces.
    (b) Membership.--
        (1) In general.--The working group shall consist of--
            (A) 2 co-chairs described in paragraph (2);
            (B) not less than 6 representatives of the FAA, to be 
        appointed by the co-chair described in paragraph (2)(A); and
            (C) not less than 1 representative of each component of the 
        armed forces (as such term is defined in section 101 of title 
        10, United States Code), to be appointed by the co-chair 
        described in paragraph (2)(B).
        (2) Co-chairs.--The working group shall be co-chaired by--
            (A) a representative of the Department of Transportation, 
        to be appointed by the Secretary; and
            (B) a representative of the Department of Defense, to be 
        appointed by the Secretary of Defense.
    (c) Activities.--The working group shall--
        (1) evaluate and compare all eligibility, training, and 
    experience requirements for individuals interested in becoming FAA-
    certified, or serving in the armed forces, as covered aviation 
    professionals, including agency policies, guidance, and orders 
    affecting covered aviation professionals;
        (2) identify challenges that inhibit recruitment, training, and 
    retention within the respective workforces of such professionals;
        (3) assess methods to improve outreach, engagement, and 
    awareness of eligibility, training, and experience requirements 
    needed to enter careers of covered aviation professionals;
        (4) consult with representatives from nonprofit organizations 
    supporting veterans and representatives from aviation industry 
    organizations representing covered aviation professionals in the 
    development of recommendations required pursuant to subsection 
    (d)(2)(B); and
        (5) identify opportunities for increased interagency 
    information sharing across workforces on matters related to 
    certification pathways, including knowledge testing, affecting 
    covered aviation professionals.
    (d) Initial Report to Congress.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which 
    the Secretary establishes the working group, the working group 
    shall submit to the covered committees of Congress an initial 
    report on the activities of the working group.
        (2) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall 
    include--
            (A) a detailed description of the findings of the working 
        group pursuant to the activities required under subsection (c), 
        including feedback offered by representatives described in 
        subsection (c)(4); and
            (B) recommendations for regulatory, policy, or legislative 
        action to improve awareness of the eligibility, training, and 
        experience requirements needed to become FAA-certified or 
        military-covered aviation professionals across the civilian and 
        military workforces.
    (e) Annual Reporting.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
which the working group submits the initial report under subsection 
(d), and annually thereafter, the working group shall submit to the 
covered committees of Congress a report--
        (1) describing the continued activities of the working group;
        (2) describing any progress made by the Secretary or Secretary 
    of Defense in implementing the recommendations described in 
    subsection (d)(2)(B); and
        (3) containing any other recommendations the working group may 
    have with respect to efforts to improve the employment and training 
    of covered aviation professionals in the civilian and military 
    workforces.
    (f) Sunset.--The working group shall terminate on the date that is 
4 years after the date on which the working group submits the initial 
report to Congress pursuant to subsection (d).
    (g) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Covered committees of congress.--The term ``covered 
    committees of Congress'' means--
            (A) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of 
        Representatives;
            (B) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
            (C) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
        the House of Representatives; and
            (D) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
        of the Senate.
        (2) Covered aviation professional.--The term ``covered aviation 
    professional'' means--
            (A) an airman;
            (B) an aircraft maintenance and repair technician;
            (C) an air traffic controller; and
            (D) any other aviation-related professional that has 
        comparable tasks and duties across the civilian and military 
        workforces, as determined jointly by the co-chairs of the 
        working group.
    SEC. 426. MILITARY AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNICIANS RULE.
    (a) Streamlined Certification for Eligible Military Maintenance 
Technicians.--
        (1) Rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of 
    proposed rulemaking to revise part 65 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, to--
            (A) create a military mechanic written competency test that 
        addresses gaps between military and civilian experience; and
            (B) develop, as necessary, a relevant Airman Certification 
        Standard to qualify eligible military maintenance technicians 
        for a civilian mechanic certificate with airframe or powerplant 
        ratings.
        (2) Consideration.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall evaluate and consider--
            (A) whether to allow a certificate of eligibility from the 
        Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification 
        Council (in this section referred to as the ``JSAMTCC'') 
        evidencing completion of a training curriculum for any rating 
        sought to serve as a substitute to fulfill the requirement 
        under such part 65 for oral and practical tests administered by 
        a designated mechanic examiner for eligible military 
        maintenance technicians;
            (B) aeronautical knowledge subject areas contained in the 
        Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman 
        Certification Standards as described in section 65.75 of title 
        14, Code of Federal Regulations, as appropriate, to the rating 
        sought; and
            (C) any applicable recommendations by the Aviation 
        Rulemaking Advisory Committee Airman Certification System 
        Working Group.
    (b) Expansion of Testing Locations.--Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation 
with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, 
shall determine--
        (1) whether an expansion of the number of active testing 
    locations operated within military installation testing centers 
    would increase access to testing; and
        (2) how to implement such expansion, if appropriate.
    (c) Outreach and Awareness.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the 
Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the 
Secretary of Homeland Security, shall develop a plan to increase 
outreach and awareness regarding services made available by the JSAMTCC 
and how such services can assist in facilitating the transition between 
military and civilian aviation maintenance careers.
    (d) Briefings.--
        (1) Initial briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
    on which the Administrator develops the outreach and awareness plan 
    pursuant to subsection (c), the Administrator shall provide to the 
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the 
    Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on 
    Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Veterans' 
    Affairs of the House of Representatives a briefing on the 
    activities planned to implement the outreach and awareness plan.
        (2) Periodic briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
    of enactment of this Act, and 2 years thereafter, the Administrator 
    shall provide to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
    Transportation and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate 
    and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
    Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a 
    briefing on any rulemaking activities carried out pursuant to 
    subsection (a), including a timeline for the issuance of a final 
    rule.
    (e) Eligible Military Maintenance Technician Defined.--For purposes 
of this section, the term ``eligible military maintenance technician'' 
means an individual who--
        (1) has been a maintenance technician during service in the 
    armed forces who was honorably discharged or has retired from the 
    armed forces (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States 
    Code);
        (2) presents an official record of service in the armed forces 
    confirming that the individual has been a military aviation 
    maintenance technician, holding an appropriate Military 
    Occupational Specialty Code, as determined by the Administrator, in 
    coordination with the Secretary of Defense; and
        (3) presents documentary evidence of experience in accordance 
    with the requirements under section 65.77 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 427. CREWMEMBER SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING.
    Section 44918 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a) by--
            (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``and unruly passenger 
        behavior'' before the period at the end;
            (B) in paragraph (2)--
                (i) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
            following:
            ``(A) Recognize suspicious behavior and activities and 
        determine the seriousness of any occurrence of such behavior 
        and activities.'';
                (ii) by striking subparagraph (H) and inserting the 
            following:
            ``(H) De-escalation training based on recommendations 
        issued by the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking 
        Committee.'';
                (iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (I) and (J) as 
            subparagraphs (J) and (K), respectively; and
                (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following:
            ``(I) Methods to subdue and restrain an active attacker.'';
            (C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
        ``(4) Minimum standards.--Not later than 180 days after the 
    date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the 
    Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, in 
    consultation with the Federal Air Marshal Service and the Aviation 
    Security Advisory Committee, shall establish minimum standards 
    for--
            ``(A) the training provided under this subsection and any 
        for recurrent training; and
            ``(B) the individuals or entities providing such 
        training.''; and
            (D) in paragraph (6)--
                (i) in the first sentence--

                    (I) by inserting ``and the Federal Air Marshal 
                Service'' after ``consultation with the 
                Administrator'';
                    (II) by striking ``and periodically shall'' and 
                inserting ``and shall periodically''; and
                    (III) by inserting ``based on changes in the 
                potential or actual threat conditions'' before the 
                period at the end; and

                (ii) in the third sentence by inserting ``, including 
            self-defense training expertise and experience'' before the 
            period at the end; and
        (2) in subsection (b)--
            (A) in paragraph (4) by striking ``Neither'' and inserting 
        ``Except as provided in paragraph (8), neither''; and
            (B) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(8) Air carrier accommodation.--An air carrier with a crew 
    member participating in the training program under this subsection 
    shall provide a process through which each such crew member may 
    obtain reasonable accommodations.''.
    SEC. 428. DIRECT-HIRE AUTHORITY UTILIZATION.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall utilize direct hire 
authorities (as such authorities existed on the day before the date of 
enactment of this Act) to hire individuals on a non-competitive basis 
for positions related to aircraft certification and aviation safety. In 
utilizing such authorities, the Administrator shall take into 
consideration any staffing gaps in the safety workforce of the FAA, 
including in positions supporting the safe integration of unmanned 
aircraft systems and other new airspace entrants.
    (b) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2028, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
the--
        (1) utilization of the Administrator's direct-hire authorities 
    described in subsection (a);
        (2) utilization of the Administrator's direct-hire authorities 
    with respect to the Unmanned Aircraft System Collegiate Training 
    Initiative of the FAA; and
        (3) number of employees hired as a result of the utilization of 
    such authorities by the Administrator, the relevant lines of 
    business or offices in which such employees were hired, and the 
    occupational series of the positions filled.
    SEC. 429. FAA WORKFORCE REVIEW AUDIT.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of Transportation 
shall initiate an audit of any FAA workforce plans completed during the 
5 fiscal years preceding the fiscal year in which such audit is 
initiated related to occupations the agency relies on to accomplish its 
aviation safety mission.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the audit under subsection (a), the 
inspector general shall--
        (1) identify whether any safety-critical positions have not 
    been reviewed within the period specified in subsection (a);
        (2) assess staffing levels and workforce retention trends 
    relating to safety-critical occupations within all offices of the 
    FAA that support such services;
        (3) review FAA workforce gaps in safety-critical and senior 
    positions, including the average vacancy period of such positions 
    during the most recent fiscal year in the period specified in 
    subsection (a);
        (4) evaluate any applicable assessments of the historic 
    workload of safety-critical positions and changes in workload 
    demands over time;
        (5) analyze any applicable assessments of critical competencies 
    and skills gaps among safety-critical positions conducted by the 
    FAA and any relevant agency actions in response;
        (6) review whether existing FAA workforce development programs 
    are producing intended results, especially in rural communities, 
    such as increased recruitment and retention of agency personnel; 
    and
        (7) review opportunities (as such opportunities exist on the 
    date of enactment of this Act) for employees of the FAA to gain or 
    enhance expertise, knowledge, skills, and abilities through 
    cooperative training with appropriate aerospace companies and 
    organizations, including--
            (A) assessing the appropriateness of existing cooperative 
        training programs and any conflicts of interest or the 
        appearance of such conflicts with FAA policies and obligations 
        relating to FAA employee interactions with aviation industry;
            (B) identifying a means by which to leverage such programs 
        to support credentialing and recurrent training activities for 
        FAA employees, as appropriate;
            (C) assessing the policies and procedures the FAA has 
        established to avoid both conflicts of interest and the 
        appearance of such conflicts for employees participating in 
        such opportunities, which may include requirements under--
                (i) chapter 131 of title 5, United States Code;
                (ii) chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code;
                (iii) subchapter B of chapter XVI of title 5, Code of 
            Federal Regulations; and
                (iv) sections 2635.101 and 2635.502 of title 5, Code of 
            Federal Regulations; and
            (D) evaluating whether the conflict of interest policies 
        and procedures of the FAA for such opportunities provide for 
        the appropriate means by which employees return to work at the 
        FAA after having engaged in such opportunities.
    (c) Inspector General Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the inspector general shall submit to the 
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress--
        (1) a report on the results of the audit conducted under 
    subsection (a); and
        (2) recommendations for such legislative and administrative 
    action as the inspector general determines appropriate.
    SEC. 430. STAFFING MODEL FOR AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTORS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall review and, as necessary, revise 
the staffing model for aviation safety inspectors.
    (b) Requirements.--
        (1) Consideration of prior studies and reports.--In reviewing 
    and revising the model, the Administrator shall take into 
    consideration the contents and recommendations contained in the 
    following:
            (A) The 2006 report released by the National Research 
        Council titled ``Staffing Standards for Aviation Safety 
        Inspectors''.
            (B) The 2007 study released by the National Academy of 
        Sciences titled ``Staffing Standards for Aviation Safety 
        Inspectors''.
            (C) The 2013 report released by Grant Thornton LLP, titled 
        ``ASTARS Gap Analysis Study: Comparison of the AVS Staffing 
        Model for Aviation Safety Inspectors to the National Academy of 
        Sciences' Recommendations Final Report''.
            (D) The 2021 report released by the inspector general of 
        the Department of Transportation titled ``FAA Can Increase Its 
        Inspector Staffing Model's Effectiveness by Implementing System 
        Improvements and Maximizing Its Capabilities''.
            (E) The FAA Fiscal Year 2023 Aviation Safety Workforce Plan 
        conducted to satisfy the requirements of section 104 of the 
        Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, as 
        enacted in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (49 U.S.C. 
        44701 note).
        (2) Assessments.--In carrying out this section, the 
    Administrator shall assess the following:
            (A) Projected staffing needs at the service and office 
        level.
            (B) Forecasted attrition of the aviation safety inspector 
        workforce.
            (C) Forecasted workload of aviation safety inspectors, 
        including responsibilities associated with overseeing aviation 
        manufacturers and new airspace entrants.
            (D) Means by which field managers use the model to assess 
        aviation safety inspector staffing and provide feedback on 
        resources needed at the office level.
            (E) Work performed by aviation safety inspectors in 
        comparison to designees acting on behalf of the Administrator.
            (F) Any associated performance metrics to inform periodic 
        comparisons to actual aviation safety inspector staffing level 
        results.
        (3) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the 
    Administrator shall consult with interested persons, including the 
    exclusive collective bargaining representative for aviation safety 
    inspectors certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States 
    Code.
    SEC. 431. SAFETY-CRITICAL STAFFING.
    (a) Implementation of Staffing Standards for Safety Inspectors.--
Upon completion of the revised staffing model for aviation safety 
inspectors under section 430, and validation of the model by the 
Administrator, the Administrator shall take all appropriate actions in 
response to the number of aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety 
technicians, and operation support positions that are identified in 
such model to meet the responsibilities of the Flight Standards Service 
and Aircraft Certification Service, including potentially increasing 
the number of safety critical positions in the Flight Standards Service 
and Aircraft Certification Service each fiscal year, as appropriate, so 
long as such staffing increases are measured relative to the number of 
individuals serving in safety-critical positions as of September 30, 
2023.
    (b) Availability of Appropriations.--Any increase in safety 
critical staffing pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to the 
availability of appropriations.
    (c) Safety-critical Positions Defined.--In this section, the term 
``safety-critical positions'' means--
        (1) aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety specialists 
    (1801 job series), aviation safety technicians, and operations 
    support positions in the Flight Standards Service; and
        (2) manufacturing safety inspectors, pilots, engineers, Chief 
    Scientist Technical Advisors, aviation safety specialists (1801 job 
    series), safety technical specialists, and operational support 
    positions in the Aircraft Certification Service.
    SEC. 432. DETERRING CREWMEMBER INTERFERENCE.
    (a) Task Force.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall convene a task force 
    to develop voluntary standards and best practices relating to 
    suspected violations of sections 46318, 46503, and 46504 of title 
    49, United States Code, including--
            (A) proper and consistent incident documentation and 
        reporting techniques;
            (B) best practices for flight crew and cabin crew response, 
        including de-escalation;
            (C) improved coordination between stakeholders, including 
        flight crew and cabin crew, airport staff, other Federal 
        agencies as appropriate, and law enforcement; and
            (D) appropriate enforcement actions.
        (2) Membership.--The task force convened under paragraph (1) 
    shall be comprised of representatives of--
            (A) air carriers;
            (B) airport sponsors and airport law enforcement agencies;
            (C) other Federal agencies determined necessary by the 
        Administrator;
            (D) labor organizations representing air carrier pilots;
            (E) labor organizations representing flight attendants; and
            (F) labor organizations representing ticketing, check-in, 
        or other customer service representatives employed by air 
        carriers.
    (b) Announcements.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate such actions as 
may be necessary to include in the briefing of passengers before 
takeoff required under section 121.571 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, a statement informing passengers that it is against 
Federal law to assault or threaten to assault any individual on an 
aircraft or interfere with the duties of a crewmember.
    (c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the definitions in 
section 40102(a) of title 49, United States Code, shall apply to terms 
in this section.
    SEC. 433. USE OF BIOGRAPHICAL ASSESSMENTS.
    Section 44506(f)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ``paragraph (1)(B)(ii)'' and inserting ``paragraph 
(1)(B)''.
    SEC. 434. EMPLOYEE ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLAN STANDARDS 
      AND BEST PRACTICES.
    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
        (1) each air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14, Code 
    of Federal Regulations, shall submit to the Administrator an 
    Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan pursuant to section 
    551 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note);
        (2) each such air carrier should have in place and deploy an 
    Employee Assault Prevention and Response Plan to facilitate 
    appropriate protocols, standards, and training to equip employees 
    with best practices and the experience necessary to respond 
    effectively to hostile situations and disruptive behavior and 
    maintain a safe traveling experience; and
        (3) any air carrier formed after the date of enactment of this 
    Act should develop and implement an Employee Assault Prevention and 
    Response Plan.
    (b) Required Briefing.--Section 551 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44903 note) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
    ``(f) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal 
Aviation Administration shall provide to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a briefing on the Employee Assault Prevention and Response 
Plan submitted by each air carrier pursuant to this section.''.
    SEC. 435. FORMAL POLICY ON SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT ON AIR 
      CARRIERS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, passenger air carriers operating under part 121 
of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall issue, in consultation 
with labor unions representing personnel, a formal policy with respect 
to sexual assault or harassment incidents.
    (b) Contents.--Each policy required under subsection (a) shall 
include--
        (1) a statement indicating that no sexual assault or harassment 
    incident is acceptable under any circumstance;
        (2) procedures that facilitate the reporting of a sexual 
    assault or harassment incident, including--
            (A) appropriate public outreach activities; and
            (B) confidential phone and internet-based opportunities for 
        reporting;
        (3) procedures that personnel should follow upon the reporting 
    of a sexual assault or harassment incident, including actions to 
    protect affected individuals from continued sexual assault or 
    harassment and to notify law enforcement, including the Federal 
    Bureau of Investigation, when appropriate;
        (4) procedures that may limit or prohibit, to the extent 
    practicable, future travel with the air carrier by any passenger 
    who commits a sexual assault or harassment incident; and
        (5) training that is required for all appropriate personnel 
    with respect to each such policy, including specific training for 
    personnel who may receive reports of sexual assault or harassment 
    incidents.
    (c) Passenger Information.--An air carrier described in subsection 
(a) shall display, on the website of the air carrier and through the 
use of appropriate signage, a written statement that informs passengers 
and personnel of the procedure for reporting a sexual assault or 
harassment incident.
    (d) Standard of Care.--Compliance with the requirements of this 
section, and any policy issued thereunder, shall not determine whether 
the air carrier described in subsection (a) has acted with any 
requisite standard of care.
    (e) Rules of Construction.--
        (1) Effect on authorities.--Nothing in this section shall be 
    construed as granting the Secretary any additional authorities 
    beyond ensuring that a passenger air carrier operating under part 
    121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations issues a formal policy 
    and displays required information in compliance with this section.
        (2) Effect on other laws.--Nothing in this section shall be 
    construed to alter existing authorities of the Equal Employment 
    Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, or the Department 
    of Justice to enforce applicable employment and sexual assault and 
    sexual harassment laws.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Personnel.--The term ``personnel'' means an employee or 
    contractor of passenger air carrier operating under part 121 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (2) Sexual assault.--The term ``sexual assault'' means the 
    occurrence of an act that constitutes any nonconsensual sexual act 
    proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the 
    victim lacks capacity to consent.
        (3) Sexual assault or harassment incident.--The term ``sexual 
    assault or harassment incident'' means the occurrence, or 
    reasonably suspected occurrence, of an act that--
            (A) constitutes sexual assault or sexual harassment; and
            (B) is committed--
                (i) by a passenger or personnel against another 
            passenger or personnel; and
                (ii) within an aircraft or in an area in which 
            passengers are entering or exiting an aircraft.
    SEC. 436. INTERFERENCE WITH SECURITY SCREENING PERSONNEL.
    Section 46503 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking ``An individual'' and inserting the following:
    ``(a) In General.--An individual''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(b) Airport and Air Carrier Employees.--For purposes of this 
section, an airport or air carrier employee who has security duties 
within the airport includes an airport or air carrier employee 
performing ticketing, check-in, baggage claim, or boarding 
functions.''.
    SEC. 437. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL WORKFORCE STAFFING.
    (a) Maximum Hiring.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, 
for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028, the Administrator shall set 
as the minimum hiring target for new air traffic controllers (excluding 
individuals described in section 44506(f)(1)(A) of title 49, United 
States Code) the maximum number of individuals able to be trained at 
the Federal Aviation Administration Academy.
    (b) Transportation Research Board Assessment.--
        (1) Review.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment 
    of this Act, the Administrator shall submit an attestation to the 
    appropriate committees of Congress demonstrating an agreement 
    entered into with the with the National Academies Transportation 
    Research Board to--
            (A) compare the Certified Professional Controller (in this 
        section referred to as ``CPC'') operational staffing models and 
        methodologies in determining the FAA Controller Staffing 
        Standard included in the 2023 Air Traffic Controller Workforce 
        Plan of the FAA, with such models and methodologies developed 
        by the Collaborative Resource Workgroup of the FAA (in this 
        subsection referred to as ``CRWG'') to determine CPC 
        operational staffing targets necessary to meet facility 
        operational, statutory, contractual and safety requirements, 
        including--
                (i) the availability factor multiplier and other 
            formula components;
                (ii) the independent facility staffing targets of CPCs 
            able to control traffic;
                (iii) air traffic controller position utilization;
                (iv) attrition rates at each air traffic control 
            facility operated by the Administration; and
                (v) the time needed to meet facility operational, 
            statutory, and contractual requirements, including relevant 
            resources to develop, evaluate, and implement processes and 
            initiatives affecting the national airspace system;
            (B) examine the current and estimated budgets of the FAA to 
        implement the FAA Controller Staffing Standard included in the 
        2023 Controller Workforce Plan in comparison to the funding 
        needed to implement the CRWG CPC operational staffing targets;
            (C) assess future needs of the air traffic control system 
        and potential impacts on staffing standards, including 
        projected air traffic in the airspace of each air traffic 
        control facility operated by the Administration; and
            (D) determine which staffing models and methodologies 
        evaluated pursuant to this subsection best accounts for the 
        operational staffing needs of the air traffic control system 
        and provide a justification for such determination.
        (2) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the agreement 
    entered into pursuant to paragraph (b)(1), the Transportation 
    Research Board of the National Academies shall submit a report to 
    the Administrator and appropriate committees of Congress on the 
    findings and recommendations under this subsection, including the 
    determination pursuant to subparagraph (D).
        (3) Consultation.--In conducting the assessment under this 
    subsection, the Transportation Research Board shall consult with--
            (A) the exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic 
        control specialists of the Administration certified under 
        section 7111 of title 5, United States Code;
            (B) front line managers of the air traffic control system;
            (C) managers and employees responsible for training air 
        traffic controllers;
            (D) the MITRE Corporation;
            (E) the Chief Operating Officer of the Air Traffic 
        Organization of the FAA, and other Federal Government 
        representatives;
            (F) users and operators in the air traffic control system;
            (G) relevant industry representatives; and
            (H) other parties determined appropriate by the 
        Transportation Research Board of the National Academies.
    (c) Required Implementation of Identified Staffing Model.--
        (1) Use of staffing model.--The Administrator shall, as 
    appropriate, take such action that may be necessary to implement 
    and use the staffing model identified by the Transportation 
    Research Board pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(D), including any 
    recommendations for improving such model, not later than one year 
    after enactment of this Act.
        (2) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after taking such actions 
    to implement and use the staffing model identified by the 
    Transportation Research Board pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(D), the 
    Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress 
    regarding the reasons for why any recommendation by the 
    Transportation Research Board study was not incorporated into the 
    implemented staffing model.
    (d) Revised Staffing Standards.--The Administration shall revise 
the FAA CPC operational staffing standards of the Administration 
implemented under subsection (c) to--
        (1) provide that the controller and management workforce is 
    sufficiently staffed to safely and efficiently manage and oversee 
    the air traffic control system;
        (2) account for the target number of CPCs able to control 
    traffic at each independent facility; and
        (3) avoid any required or requested reduction of national 
    airspace system capacity or aircraft operations as a result of 
    inadequate air traffic control system staffing.
    (e) Interim Adoption of Collaborative Resource Workgroup Models.--
        (1) In general.--In submitting a Controller Workforce Plan of 
    the FAA to Congress published after the date of enactment of this 
    Act, the Administrator shall adopt and use the staffing models and 
    methodologies developed by the Collaborative Resource Workgroup 
    that were recommended in the 2023 Controller Workforce Plan.
        (2) Revisions to the controller workforce plan.--Section 
    44506(e) of title 49, United States Code is amended--
            (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``the number of air 
        traffic controllers needed'' and inserting ``the number of 
        fully certified air traffic controllers needed'';
            (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
        (3) and (4), respectively; and
            (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
        ``(2) for each air traffic control facility operated by the 
    Federal Aviation Administration--
            ``(A) the current certified professional controller 
        staffing levels;
            ``(B) the operational staffing targets for certified 
        professional controllers;
            ``(C) the anticipated certified professional controller 
        attrition for each of the next 3 years; and
            ``(D) the number of certified professional controller 
        trainees;''.
        (3) Effective date.--The requirements of paragraph (1) shall 
    cease to be effective upon the adoption and implementation of a 
    revised staffing model by the Administrator as required under 
    subsection (c).
    (f) Controller Training.--In any Controller Workforce Plan of the 
FAA published after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall--
        (1) identify all limiting factors on the ability of the 
    Administrator to hire and train controllers in line with the 
    staffing standards target set out in such Plan; and
        (2) describe what actions the Administrator intends to take to 
    rectify any impediments to meeting staffing standards targets and 
    identify contributing factors that are outside the control of the 
    Administrator.
    SEC. 438. AIRPORT SERVICE WORKFORCE ANALYSIS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall complete a comprehensive 
review of the domestic airport service workforce and examine the role 
of, impact on, and importance of such workforce to the aviation 
economy.
    (b) Working Group.--
        (1) Report.--Upon completion of the review required under 
    subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
    Secretary a report containing such review.
        (2) Public working group.--The Secretary may convene a public 
    working group to evaluate and discuss the report under paragraph 
    (1) containing--
            (A) the entities the Comptroller General consulted with in 
        carrying out the review under subsection (a);
            (B) representatives of other relevant Federal agencies; and
            (C) any other appropriate stakeholder.
        (3) Termination.--If the Secretary convenes a working group 
    under paragraph (2), such working group shall terminate on the date 
    that is 1 year after the date on which the working group is 
    convened.
    SEC. 439. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ACADEMY AND FACILITY 
      EXPANSION PLAN.
    (a) Plan.--
        (1) In general.--No later than 90 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate the 
    development of a plan to expand overall FAA capacity relating to 
    facilities, instruction, equipment, and training resources to grow 
    the number of developmental air traffic controllers enrolled per 
    fiscal year and support increases in FAA air controller staffing to 
    advance the safety of the national airspace system.
        (2) Considerations.--In developing the plan under paragraph 
    (1), the Administrator shall consider--
            (A) the resources needed to support an increase in the 
        total number of developmental air traffic controllers enrolled 
        at the FAA Academy;
            (B) the resources needed to lessen FAA Academy attrition 
        per fiscal year;
            (C) how to modernize the education and training of 
        developmental air traffic controllers, including through the 
        use of new techniques and technologies to support instruction;
            (D) the equipment needed to support expanded instruction, 
        including air traffic control simulation systems, virtual 
        reality, and other virtual training platforms;
            (E) projected staffing needs associated with FAA Academy 
        expansion and the operation of education platforms, including 
        the number of on-the-job instructors needed to educate and 
        train additional developmental air traffic controllers;
            (F) the costs of expanding FAA capacity at the existing air 
        traffic control academy (as described in paragraph (1)(A));
            (G) soliciting input from, and coordinating with, relevant 
        stakeholders as appropriate, including the exclusive bargaining 
        representative of air traffic control specialists of the FAA 
        certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code; 
        and
            (H) other logistical and financial considerations as 
        determined appropriate by the Administrator.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress the plan developed under subsection (a).
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the submission of the 
plan under subsection (b), the Administrator shall brief the 
appropriate committees of Congress on the plan, including the 
implementation of the plan.
    SEC. 440. IMPROVING FEDERAL AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 
      PROGRAMS.
    (a) In General.--Section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 625. AVIATION WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS.
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
establish--
        ``(1) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to 
    support the education and recruitment of future aircraft pilots and 
    the development of the aircraft pilot workforce;
        ``(2) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to 
    support the education and recruitment of aviation maintenance 
    technical workers and the development of the aviation maintenance 
    workforce; and
        ``(3) a program to provide grants for eligible projects to 
    support the education and recruitment of aviation manufacturing 
    technical workers and aerospace engineers and the development of 
    the aviation manufacturing workforce.
    ``(b) Project Grants.--
        ``(1) In general.--Out of amounts made available under section 
    48105 of title 49, United States Code, there is authorized to be 
    appropriated--
            ``(A) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
        2028 to provide grants under the program established under 
        subsection (a)(1);
            ``(B) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
        2028 to provide grants under the program established under 
        subsection (a)(2); and
            ``(C) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 
        2028 to provide grants under the program established under 
        subsection (a)(3).
        ``(2) Dollar amount limit.--In providing grants under the 
    programs established under subsection (a), the Secretary may not 
    make any grant more than $1,000,000 to any eligible entity in any 1 
    fiscal year.
        ``(3) Education projects.--The Secretary shall ensure that not 
    less than 20 percent of the amounts made available under this 
    subsection is used to carry out a grant program that shall be 
    referred to as the `Willa Brown Aviation Education Program' under 
    which the Secretary shall provide grants for eligible projects 
    described in subsection (d) that are carried out in counties 
    containing at least 1 qualified opportunity zone (as such term is 
    defined in section 1400Z-1(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
    1986).
        ``(4) Set aside for technical assistance.--The Secretary may 
    set aside up to 2 percent of the funds appropriated to carry out 
    this subsection for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 to 
    provide technical assistance to eligible applicants for a grant 
    under this subsection.
        ``(5) Consideration for certain applicants.--In reviewing and 
    selecting applications for grants under the programs established 
    under subsection (a), the Secretary may give consideration to 
    applicants that provide an assurance--
            ``(A) to use grant funds to encourage the participation of 
        populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry, 
        including in economically disadvantaged geographic areas and 
        rural communities;
            ``(B) to address the workforce needs of rural and regional 
        airports; or
            ``(C) to strengthen aviation programs at a minority-serving 
        institution (as described in section 371(a) of the Higher 
        Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)), a public 
        institution of higher education, or a public postsecondary 
        vocational institution.
    ``(c) Eligible Applications.--
        ``(1) Application for aircraft pilot program.--An application 
    for a grant under the program established under subsection (a)(1) 
    may be submitted, in such form as the Secretary may specify, by--
            ``(A) an air carrier (as such term is defined in section 
        40102 of title 49, United States Code);
            ``(B) an entity that holds management specifications under 
        subpart K of title 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
            ``(C) an accredited institution of higher education, a 
        postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or 
        secondary school;
            ``(D) a flight school that provides flight training, as 
        such term is defined in part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, or that holds a pilot school certificate under 
        part 141 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
            ``(E) a labor organization representing professional 
        aircraft pilots;
            ``(F) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described 
        in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that 
        is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; or
            ``(G) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental 
        entity.
        ``(2) Application for aviation maintenance program.--An 
    application for a grant under the program established under 
    subsection (a)(2) may be submitted, in such form as the Secretary 
    may specify, by--
            ``(A) a holder of a certificate issued under part 21, 121, 
        135, 145, or 147 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
            ``(B) a labor organization representing aviation 
        maintenance workers;
            ``(C) an accredited institution of higher education, a 
        postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or 
        secondary school;
            ``(D) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described 
        in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that 
        is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; or
            ``(E) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental 
        entity.
        ``(3) Application for aviation manufacturing program.--An 
    application for a grant under the program established under 
    subsection (a)(3) may be submitted, in such form as the Secretary 
    may specify, by--
            ``(A) a holder of a type or production certificate or 
        similar authorization issued under section 44704 of title 49, 
        United States Code;
            ``(B) an accredited institution of higher education, a 
        postsecondary vocational institution, or a high school or 
        secondary school;
            ``(C) an aviation-related nonprofit organization described 
        in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that 
        is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code;
            ``(D) a labor organization representing aerospace 
        engineering, design, or manufacturing workers; or
            ``(E) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal governmental 
        entity.
    ``(d) Eligible Projects.--
        ``(1) Aircraft pilot program.--For purposes of the program 
    established under subsection (a)(1), an eligible project is a 
    project--
            ``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum that 
        provides high school or secondary school students and students 
        of institutions of higher education with meaningful aviation 
        education to become aircraft pilots or unmanned aircraft 
        systems operators, including purchasing and operating a 
        computer-based simulator associated with such curriculum;
            ``(B) to establish or improve registered apprenticeship, 
        internship, or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing 
        employment as a professional aircraft pilot or unmanned 
        aircraft systems operator;
            ``(C) to create and deliver curriculum that provides 
        certified flight instructors with the necessary instructional, 
        leadership, and communication skills to better educate student 
        pilots;
            ``(D) to support the transition to professional aircraft 
        pilot or unmanned systems operator careers, including for 
        members and veterans of the armed forces;
            ``(E) to support robust outreach about careers in 
        commercial aviation as a professional aircraft pilot or 
        unmanned system operator, including outreach to populations 
        that are underrepresented in the aviation industry; or
            ``(F) to otherwise enhance or expand the aircraft pilot or 
        unmanned aircraft system operator workforce.
        ``(2) Aviation maintenance program.--For purposes of the 
    program established under subsection (a)(2), an eligible project is 
    a project--
            ``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum that 
        provides high school and secondary school students and students 
        of institutions of higher education with meaningful aviation 
        maintenance education to become an aviation mechanic or 
        aviation maintenance technician, including purchasing and 
        operating equipment associated with such curriculum;
            ``(B) to establish or improve registered apprenticeship, 
        internship, or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing 
        employment in the aviation maintenance industry;
            ``(C) to support the transition to aviation maintenance 
        careers, including for members and veterans of the armed 
        forces;
            ``(D) to support robust outreach about careers in the 
        aviation maintenance industry, including outreach to 
        populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry; 
        or
            ``(E) to otherwise enhance or expand the aviation 
        maintenance technical workforce.
        ``(3) Aviation manufacturing program.--For purposes of the 
    program established under subsection (a)(3), an eligible project is 
    a project--
            ``(A) to create and deliver a program or curriculum that 
        provides high school and secondary school students and students 
        of institutions of higher education with meaningful aviation 
        manufacturing education to become an aviation manufacturing 
        technical worker or aerospace engineer, including teaching 
        technical skills used in the engineering and production of 
        components, parts, or systems thereof for inclusion in an 
        aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance;
            ``(B) to establish registered apprenticeship, internship, 
        or scholarship programs for individuals pursuing employment in 
        the aviation manufacturing industry;
            ``(C) to support the transition to aviation manufacturing 
        careers, including for members and veterans of the armed 
        forces;
            ``(D) to support robust outreach about careers in the 
        aviation manufacturing industry, including outreach to 
        populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry; 
        or
            ``(E) to otherwise enhance or expand the aviation 
        manufacturing workforce.
    ``(e) Reporting and Monitoring Requirements.--The Secretary shall 
establish reasonable reporting and monitoring requirements for grant 
recipients under this section to measure relevant outcomes for the 
grant programs established under subsection (a).
    ``(f) Notice of Grants.--
        ``(1) Timely public notice.--The Secretary shall provide public 
    notice of any grant awarded under this section in a timely fashion 
    after the Secretary awards such grant.
        ``(2) Notice to congress.--The Secretary shall provide to the 
    appropriate Committees of Congress advance notice of a grant to be 
    made under this section.
    ``(g) Grant Authority.--
        ``(1) Limit on faa authority.--The authority of the 
    Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, acting on 
    behalf of the Secretary, to issue grants under this section shall 
    terminate on October 1, 2027.
        ``(2) Nondelegation.--Beginning on October 1, 2027, the 
    Secretary shall issue grants under this section and may not 
    delegate any of the authorities or responsibilities under this 
    section to the Administrator.
    ``(h) Program Name Redesignation.--Beginning on October 1, 2027, 
the Secretary shall redesignate the name of the program established 
under subsection (a) as the `Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, 
Enrichment, and Employment Readiness Program' or the `CAREER Program'.
    ``(i) Consultation With Secretary of Education.--The Secretary may 
consult with the Secretary of Education, as appropriate, in--
        ``(1) reviewing applications for grants for eligible projects 
    under this section; and
        ``(2) developing considerations regarding program quality and 
    measurement of student outcomes.
    ``(j) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2028, the Secretary 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
administration of the programs established under subsection (a) 
covering each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 that includes--
        ``(1) a summary of projects awarded grants under this section 
    and the progress of each recipient towards fulfilling program 
    expectations;
        ``(2) an evaluation of how such projects cumulatively impact 
    the future supply of individuals in the United States aviation 
    workforce, including any related best practices for carrying out 
    such projects;
        ``(3) recommendations for better coordinating actions by 
    governmental entities, educational institutions, and businesses, 
    aviation labor organizations, or other stakeholders to support 
    aviation workforce growth;
        ``(4) a review of how many grant recipients engaged with 
    veterans and the resulting impact, if applicable, on recruiting and 
    retaining veterans as part of the aviation workforce; and
        ``(5) a review of outreach conducted by grant recipients to 
    encourage individuals to participate in aviation careers and the 
    resulting impact, if applicable, on recruiting and retaining such 
    individuals as part of the aviation workforce.
    ``(k) Program Authority Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary to 
issue grants under this section shall expire on October 1, 2028.
    ``(l) Definitions.--In this section:
        ``(1) Armed forces.--The term `armed forces' has the meaning 
    given such term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.
        ``(2) High school.--The term `high school' has the meaning 
    given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary 
    Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).
        ``(3) Institution of higher education.--The term `institution 
    of higher education' has the meaning given such term in section 
    101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).
        ``(4) Postsecondary vocational institution.--The term 
    `postsecondary vocational institution' has the meaning given such 
    term in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
    U.S.C. 1002(c)).
        ``(5) Secondary school.--The term `secondary school' has the 
    meaning given such term in section 8101 of the Elementary and 
    Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)).''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on October 1, 2024.
    SEC. 441. NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR AVIATION WORKFORCE 
      DEVELOPMENT.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 401 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 40132. National strategic plan for aviation workforce 
     development
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary 
of Transportation shall, in consultation with other Federal agencies 
and the Cooperative Aviation Recruitment, Enrichment, and Employment 
Readiness Council (in this section referred to as the `CAREER Council') 
established in subsection (c), establish and maintain a national 
strategic plan to improve recruitment, hiring, and retention and 
address projected challenges in the civil aviation workforce, 
including--
        ``(1) any short-term, medium-term, and long-term workforce 
    challenges relevant to the economy, workforce readiness, and 
    priorities of the United States aviation sector;
        ``(2) any existing or projected workforce shortages; and
        ``(3) any workforce situation or condition that warrants 
    special attention by the Federal Government.
    ``(b) Requirements.--The national strategic plan described in 
subsection (a) shall--
        ``(1) take into account the activities and accomplishments of 
    all Federal agencies that are related to carrying out such plan;
        ``(2) include recommendations for carrying out such plan; and
        ``(3) project and identify, on an annual basis, aviation 
    workforce challenges, including any applicable workforce shortages.
    ``(c) Career Council.--
        ``(1) Establishment.--Not later than September 30, 2025, the 
    Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall establish 
    a council comprised of individuals with expertise in the civil 
    aviation industry to--
            ``(A) assist with developing and maintaining the national 
        strategic plan described in subsection (a); and
            ``(B) provide advice to the Secretary, as appropriate, 
        relating to the CAREER Program established under section 625 of 
        the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, including as such advice 
        relates to program administration and grant application 
        selection, and support the development of performance metrics 
        regarding the quality and outcomes of the Program.
        ``(2) Appointment.--The CAREER Council shall be appointed by 
    the Secretary from candidates nominated by national associations 
    representing various sectors of the aviation industry, including--
            ``(A) commercial aviation;
            ``(B) general aviation;
            ``(C) aviation labor organizations, including collective 
        bargaining representatives of Federal Aviation Administration 
        aviation safety inspectors, aviation safety engineers, and air 
        traffic controllers;
            ``(D) aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul;
            ``(E) aviation manufacturers; and
            ``(F) unmanned aviation.
        ``(3) Term.--Each council member appointed by the Secretary 
    under paragraph (2) shall serve a term of 2 years.
    ``(d) Nondelegation.--The Secretary may not delegate any of the 
authorities or responsibilities under this section to the Administrator 
of the Federal Aviation Administration.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 401 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``40132. National strategic plan for aviation workforce development.''.

               TITLE V--PASSENGER EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS
                   Subtitle A--Consumer Enhancements

    SEC. 501. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF AVIATION CONSUMER PROTECTION.
    Section 102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (e)(1)--
            (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
        ``7'' and inserting ``8''; and
            (B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and an Assistant 
        Secretary for Transportation Policy'' and inserting ``an 
        Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, and an Assistant 
        Secretary for Aviation Consumer Protection''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(j) Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.--
        ``(1) Establishment.--There is established in the Department an 
    Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (in this subsection referred 
    to as the `Office') to administer and enforce the aviation consumer 
    protection and civil rights authorities provided to the Department 
    by statute, including the authorities under section 41712--
            ``(A) to assist, educate, and protect passengers; and
            ``(B) to monitor compliance with, conduct investigations 
        relating to, and enforce, with support of attorneys in the 
        Office of the General Counsel, including by taking appropriate 
        action to address violations of aviation consumer protection 
        and civil rights.
        ``(2) Leadership.--The Office shall be headed by the Assistant 
    Secretary for Aviation Consumer Protection (in this subsection 
    referred to as the `Assistant Secretary').
        ``(3) Transition.--Not later than 180 days after funding is 
    appropriated for an Office of Aviation Consumer Protection headed 
    by an Assistant Secretary, the Office of Aviation Consumer 
    Protection that is a unit within the Office of the General Counsel 
    of the Department which is headed by the Assistant General Counsel 
    for Aviation Consumer Protection shall cease to exist. The 
    Secretary shall determine which employees are necessary to fulfill 
    the responsibilities of the new Office of Aviation Consumer 
    Protection and such employees shall be transferred from the Office 
    of the General Counsel, as appropriate, to the newly established 
    Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.
        ``(4) Coordination.--The Assistant Secretary shall coordinate 
    with the General Counsel appointed under subsection (e)(1)(E), in 
    accordance with section 1.26 of title 49, Code of Federal 
    Regulations (or a successor regulation), on all legal matters 
    relating to--
            ``(A) aviation consumer protection; and
            ``(B) the duties and activities of the Office described in 
        subparagraphs (A) through (C) of paragraph (1).
        ``(5) Annual report.--The Assistant Secretary shall submit to 
    the Secretary, who shall submit to Congress and make publicly 
    available on the website of the Department, an annual report that, 
    with respect to matters under the jurisdiction of the Department, 
    or otherwise within the statutory authority of the Department--
            ``(A) analyzes trends in aviation consumer protection, 
        civil rights, and licensing;
            ``(B) identifies major challenges facing passengers; and
            ``(C) addresses any other relevant issues, as the Assistant 
        Secretary determines to be appropriate.
        ``(6) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
    $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, $13,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, 
    $14,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, 
    and $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2028 to carry out this 
    subsection.''.
    SEC. 502. ADDITIONAL WITHIN AND BEYOND PERIMETER SLOT EXEMPTIONS AT 
      RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT.
    (a) Increase in Number of Slot Exemptions.--Section 41718 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following 
new subsection:
    ``(i) Additional Slot Exemptions.--
        ``(1) Increase in slot exemptions.--Not later than 60 days 
    after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, 
    the Secretary shall grant, by order, 10 exemptions from--
            ``(A) the application of sections 49104(a)(5), 49109, and 
        41714 to air carriers to operate limited frequencies and 
        aircraft on routes between Ronald Reagan Washington National 
        Airport and domestic airports located within or beyond the 
        perimeter described in section 49109; and
            ``(B) the requirements of subparts K, S, and T of part 93 
        of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        ``(2) Non-limited incumbents.--Of the slot exemptions made 
    available under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make 8 available 
    to incumbent air carriers qualifying for status as a non-limited 
    incumbent carrier at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as 
    of the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
        ``(3) Limited incumbents.--Of the slot exemptions made 
    available under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make 2 available 
    to incumbent air carriers qualifying for status as a limited 
    incumbent carrier at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as 
    of the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
        ``(4) Allocation procedures.--The Secretary shall allocate the 
    10 slot exemptions provided under paragraph (1) pursuant to the 
    application process established by the Secretary under subsection 
    (d), subject to the following:
            ``(A) Limitations.--Each air carrier that is eligible under 
        paragraph (2) and paragraph (3) shall be eligible to operate no 
        more and no less than 2 of the newly authorized slot 
        exemptions.
            ``(B) Criteria.--The Secretary shall consider the extent to 
        which the exemptions will--
                ``(i) enhance options for nonstop travel to beyond-
            perimeter airports that do not have nonstop service from 
            Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as of the date of 
            enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024; or
                ``(ii) have a positive impact on the overall level of 
            competition in the markets that will be served as a result 
            of those exemptions.
        ``(5) Prohibition.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Metropolitan Washington Airports 
        Authority may not assess any penalty or similar levy against an 
        individual air carrier solely for obtaining and operating a 
        slot exemption authorized under this subsection.
            ``(B) Rule of construction.--Subparagraph (A) shall not be 
        construed as prohibiting the Metropolitan Washington Airports 
        Authority from assessing and collecting any penalty, fine, or 
        other levy, such as a handling fee or landing fee, that is--
                ``(i) authorized by the Metropolitan Washington 
            Airports Regulations;
                ``(ii) agreed to in writing by the air carrier; or
                ``(iii) charged in the ordinary course of business to 
            an air carrier operating at Ronald Reagan Washington 
            National Airport regardless of whether or not the air 
            carrier obtained a slot exemption authorized under this 
            subsection.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 41718(c)(2)(A) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in clause (i) by striking ``and (b)'' and inserting ``, 
    (b), and (i)''; and
        (2) in clause (ii) by striking ``and (g)'' and inserting ``(g), 
    and (i)''.
    (c) Preservation of Existing Within Perimeter Service.--Nothing in 
this section, or the amendments made by this section, shall be 
construed as authorizing the conversion of a within-perimeter exemption 
or slot at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that is in effect 
on the date of enactment of this Act to serve an airport located beyond 
the perimeter described in section 49109 of title 49, United States 
Code.
    SEC. 503. REFUNDS.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting after section 42304 the following:
``Sec. 42305. Refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed or changed 
     flights
    ``(a) In General.--In the case of a passenger that holds a 
nonrefundable ticket on a scheduled flight to, from, or within the 
United States, an air carrier or a foreign air carrier shall, upon 
request as set forth in subsection (f), provide a full refund, 
including any taxes and ancillary fees, for the fare such carrier 
collected for any cancelled flight or significantly delayed or changed 
flight where the passenger chooses not to--
        ``(1) fly on the significantly delayed or changed flight or 
    accept rebooking on an alternative flight; or
        ``(2) accept any voucher, credit, or other form of compensation 
    offered by the air carrier or foreign air carrier pursuant to 
    subsection (c).
    ``(b) Timing of Refund.--Any refund required under subsection (a) 
shall be issued by the air carrier or foreign air carrier--
        ``(1) in the case of a ticket purchased with a credit card, not 
    later than 7 business days after the earliest date the refund was 
    requested as set forth in subsection (f); or
        ``(2) in the case of a ticket purchased with cash or another 
    form of payment, not later than 20 days after the earliest date the 
    refund was requested as set forth in subsection (f).
    ``(c) Alternative to Refund.--An air carrier and a foreign air 
carrier may offer a voucher, credit, or other form of compensation as 
an explicit alternative to providing a refund required by subsection 
(a) but only if--
        ``(1) the offer includes a clear and conspicuous notice of--
            ``(A) the terms of the offer; and
            ``(B) the passenger's right to a full refund under this 
        section;
        ``(2) the voucher, credit, or other form of compensation 
    offered explicitly as an alternative to providing a refund required 
    by subsection (a) remains valid and redeemable by the consumer for 
    a period of at least 5 years from the date on which such voucher, 
    credit, or other form of compensation is issued;
        ``(3) upon the issuance of such voucher, credit, or other form 
    of compensation, an air carrier, foreign air carrier, or ticket 
    agent, where applicable, notifies the recipient of the expiration 
    date of the voucher, credit, or other form of compensation; and
        ``(4) upon request by an individual who self-identifies as 
    having a disability (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code 
    of Federal Regulations), an air carrier, foreign air carrier, or 
    ticket agent provides a notification under paragraph (3) in an 
    electronic format that is accessible to the recipient.
    ``(d) Significantly Delayed or Changed Flight Defined.--In this 
section, the term `significantly delayed or changed flight' includes, 
at a minimum, a flight where the passenger arrives at a destination 
airport--
        ``(1) in the case of a domestic flight, 3 or more hours after 
    the original scheduled arrival time; and
        ``(2) in the case of an international flight, 6 or more hours 
    after the original scheduled arrival time.
    ``(e) Application to Ticket Agents.--
        ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a final rule 
    to apply refund requirements to ticket agents in the case of 
    cancelled flights and significantly delayed or changed flights.
        ``(2) Transfer of funds.--The Secretary shall issue regulations 
    requiring air carriers and foreign air carriers to promptly 
    transfer funds to a ticket agent if--
            ``(A) the Secretary has determined that the ticket agent is 
        responsible for providing the refund; and
            ``(B) the ticket agent does not possess the funds of the 
        passenger.
        ``(3) Timing and alternatives.--A refund provided by a ticket 
    agent shall comply with the requirements in subsections (b) and (c) 
    of this section.
    ``(f) Refund.--An air carrier and a foreign air carrier shall 
consider a passenger to have requested a refund if--
        ``(1) a flight is cancelled and a passenger is not offered an 
    alternative flight or any voucher, credit, or other form of 
    compensation by the air carrier or foreign air carrier pursuant to 
    subsection (c);
        ``(2) a passenger rejects the significantly delayed or changed 
    flight, rebooking on an alternative flight, or any voucher, credit, 
    or other form of compensation offered by the air carrier or foreign 
    air carrier pursuant to subsection (c); or
        ``(3) a passenger does not respond to an offer of--
            ``(A) a significantly delayed or changed flight or an 
        alternative flight and the flight departs without the 
        passenger; or
            ``(B) a voucher, credit, or other form of compensation by 
        the date on which the cancelled flight was scheduled to depart 
        or the date that the significantly delayed or changed flight 
        departs.
    ``(g) Refund Notification.--An air carrier and a foreign air 
carrier shall update their passenger notification systems to ensure 
passengers owed a refund under this section are notified of their right 
to receive a refund.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
section 42304 the following:
``42305. Refunds for cancelled or significantly delayed or changed 
          flights.''.
    SEC. 504. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS POSTERS.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by inserting after section 42305 the following:
``Sec. 42306. Know Your Rights posters
    ``(a) In General.--Each large hub airport, medium hub airport, and 
small hub airport with scheduled passenger service shall prominently 
display posters that clearly and concisely outline the rights of 
airline passengers under Federal law with respect to, at a minimum--
        ``(1) flight delays and cancellations;
        ``(2) refunds;
        ``(3) bumping of passengers from flights and the oversale of 
    flights; and
        ``(4) lost, delayed, or damaged baggage.
    ``(b) Location.--Posters described in subsection (a) shall be 
displayed in conspicuous locations throughout the airport, including 
ticket counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates.
    ``(c) Accessibility Assistance.--Each large hub airport, medium hub 
airport, and small hub airport with scheduled passenger service shall 
ensure that passengers with a disability (as such term is defined in 
section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) who identify 
themselves as having such a disability are notified of the availability 
of accessibility assistance and shall assist such passengers in 
connecting to the appropriate entities to obtain the same information 
required in this section that is provided to other passengers.''.
    (b) Exemption.--Section 46301(a)(1)(A) of title 49, United States 
Code, is further amended by striking ``chapter 423'' and inserting 
``chapter 423 (except section 42306)''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 42305 the following:
``42306. Know Your Rights posters.''.

    (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
Act.
    SEC. 505. ACCESS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANCE FOR ALL TRAVELERS.
    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
        (1) In the event of a cancelled or delayed flight, it is 
    important for customers to be able to easily access information 
    about the status of their flight and any alternative flight 
    options.
        (2) Customers should be able to access real-time assistance 
    from customer service agents of air carriers without an excessive 
    wait time, particularly during times of mass disruptions.
    (b) Transparency Requirements.--
        (1) Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or monitored 
    text messaging number.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States 
    Code, is further amended by inserting after section 42306 the 
    following:
``Sec. 42307. Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or monitored 
     text messaging number
    ``(a) Requirement.--
        ``(1) In general.--A covered air carrier that operates a 
    domestic or international flight to, from, or within the United 
    States shall maintain--
            ``(A) a customer service telephone line staffed by live 
        agents;
            ``(B) a customer chat option that allows for customers to 
        speak to a live agent within a reasonable time, to the greatest 
        extent practicable; or
            ``(C) a monitored text messaging number that enables 
        customers to communicate and speak with a live agent directly.
        ``(2) Provision of services.--The services required under 
    paragraph (1) shall be provided to customers without charge for the 
    use of such services, and shall be available at all times.
    ``(b) Rulemaking Authority.--The Secretary shall promulgate such 
rules as may be necessary to carry out this section.
    ``(c) Covered Air Carrier Defined.--In this section, the term 
`covered air carrier' means an air carrier that sells tickets for 
scheduled passenger air transportation on an aircraft that, as 
originally designed, has a passenger capacity of 30 or more seats.
    ``(d) Effective Date.--Beginning on the date that is 120 days after 
the date of enactment of this section, a covered air carrier shall 
comply with the requirement specified in subsection (a) without regard 
to whether the Secretary has promulgated any rules to carry out this 
section as of the date that is 120 days after such date of 
enactment.''.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of title 
    49, United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the 
    item relating to section 42306 the following:
``42307. Requirement to maintain a live customer chat or monitored text 
          messaging number.''.
    SEC. 506. AIRLINE CUSTOMER SERVICE DASHBOARDS.
    (a) Dashboards.--
        (1) In general.--Chapter 423 of title 49, United States Code, 
    is further amended by inserting after section 42307 the following:
``Sec. 42308. DOT airline customer service dashboards
    ``(a) Requirement To Establish and Maintain Publicly Available 
Dashboards.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish, maintain, 
and make publicly available the following online dashboards for 
purposes of keeping aviation consumers informed with respect to certain 
policies of, and services provided by, large air carriers (as such term 
is defined by the Secretary) to the extent that such policies or 
services exceed what is required by Federal law:
        ``(1) Delay and cancellation dashboard.--A dashboard that 
    displays information regarding the services and compensation 
    provided by each large air carrier to mitigate any passenger 
    inconvenience caused by a delay or cancellation due to 
    circumstances in the control of such carrier.
        ``(2) Explanation of circumstances.--The website on which such 
    dashboard is displayed shall explain the circumstances under which 
    a delay or cancellation is not due to circumstances in the control 
    of the large air carrier (such as a delay or cancellation due to a 
    weather event or an instruction from the Federal Aviation 
    Administration Air Traffic Control System Command Center) 
    consistent with section 234.4 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations.
        ``(3) Family seating dashboard.--A dashboard that displays 
    information regarding which large air carriers guarantee that each 
    child shall be seated adjacent to an adult accompanying the child 
    without charging any additional fees.
        ``(4) Seat size dashboard.--A dashboard that displays 
    information regarding aircraft seat size for each large air 
    carrier, including the pitch, width, and length of a seat in 
    economy class for the aircraft models and configurations most 
    commonly flown by such carrier.
        ``(5) Family seating sunset.--The requirement in subsection 
    (a)(3) shall cease to be effective on the date on which the rule in 
    section 516 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is effective.
    ``(b) Accessibility Requirement.--In developing the dashboards 
required in subsection (a), the Secretary shall, in order to ensure the 
dashboards are accessible and contain pertinent information for 
passengers with disabilities, consult with the Air Carrier Access Act 
Advisory Committee, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers 
Compliance Board, any other relevant department or agency to determine 
appropriate accessibility standards, and disability organizations, 
including advocacy and nonprofit organizations that represent or 
provide services to individuals with disabilities.
    ``(c) Limitation on Dashboards.--After the rule required in section 
516 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is effective, the Secretary 
may not establish or maintain more than 4 different customer service 
dashboards at any given time.
    ``(d) Provision of Information.--Each large air carrier shall 
provide to the Secretary such information as the Secretary requires to 
carry out this section.
    ``(e) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on October 
1, 2028.''.
        (2) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish each of the 
    online dashboards required by section 42308(a) of title 49, United 
    States Code, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of 
    this Act.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 423 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 42307 the following:
``42308. DOT airline customer service dashboards.''.
    SEC. 507. INCREASE IN CIVIL PENALTIES.
    (a) In General.--Section 46301(a)(1) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
``$25,000'' and inserting ``$75,000''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall 
apply to violations occurring on or after the date of enactment of this 
Act.
    (c) Conforming Regulations.--The Secretary shall revise such 
regulations as necessary to conform to the amendment made by subsection 
(a).
    SEC. 508. ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR AVIATION CONSUMER PROTECTION.
    (a) Extension.--Section 411(h) of the FAA Modernization and Reform 
Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended by striking ``May 
10, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    (b) Coordination.--Section 411 of the FAA Modernization and Reform 
Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended by adding at the 
end the following:
    ``(i) Consultation.--The Advisory Committee shall consult, as 
appropriate, with foreign air carriers, air carriers with an ultra-low-
cost business model, nonprofit public interest groups with expertise in 
disability and accessibility matters, ticket agents, travel management 
companies, and any other groups as determined by the Secretary.''.
    SEC. 509. EXTENSION OF AVIATION CONSUMER ADVOCATE REPORTING 
      REQUIREMENT.
    Section 424(e) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
42302 note) is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting 
``October 1, 2028''.
    SEC. 510. CODIFICATION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION PROVISIONS.
    (a) Section 429 of FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.--
        (1) In general.--Section 429 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
    2018 (49 U.S.C. 42301 prec. note) is amended--
            (A) by transferring such section to appear after section 
        41726 of title 49, United States Code;
            (B) by redesignating such section as section 41727 of such 
        title; and
            (C) by amending the section heading of such section to read 
        as follows:
``Sec. 41727. Passenger Rights''.
        (2) Technical amendment.--Section 41727 of title 49, United 
    States Code, as transferred and redesignated by paragraph (1), is 
    amended in subsection (a) by striking ``Not later than 90 days 
    after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary'' and 
    inserting ``The Secretary''.
    (b) Section 434 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.--
        (1) In general.--Section 434 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
    2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) is amended--
            (A) by transferring such section to appear after section 
        41727 of title 49, United States Code, as transferred and 
        redesignated by subsection (a)(1);
            (B) by redesignating such section 434 as section 41728 of 
        such title; and
            (C) by amending the section heading of such section 41728 
        to read as follows:
``Sec. 41728. Airline passengers with disabilities bill of rights''.
        (2) Technical amendment.--Section 41728 of title 49, United 
    States Code, as transferred and redesignated by paragraph (1), is 
    amended--
            (A) in subsection (a) by striking ``the section 41705 of 
        title 49, United States Code'' and inserting ``section 41705'';
            (B) in subsection (c) by striking ``the date of enactment 
        of this Act'' and inserting ``the date of enactment of the FAA 
        Reauthorization Act of 2018''; and
            (C) in subsection (f) by striking ``ensure employees'' and 
        inserting ``ensure that employees''.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to 
section 41726 the following:
``41727. Passenger rights.
``41728. Airline passengers with disabilities bill of rights.''.
    SEC. 511. BUREAU OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS.
    (a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Director of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics 
shall initiate a rulemaking to revise section 234.4 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, to create a new ``cause of delay'' category (or 
categories) that identifies and tracks information on delays and 
cancellations of air carriers (as defined in section 40102 of title 49, 
United States Code) that are due to instructions from the FAA Air 
Traffic Control System and to make any other changes necessary to carry 
out this section.
    (b) Air Carrier Code.--The following causes shall not be included 
within the Air Carrier code specified in section 234.4 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, for cancelled and delayed flights:
        (1) Aircraft cleaning necessitated by the death of a passenger.
        (2) Aircraft damage caused by extreme weather, foreign object 
    debris, or sabotage.
        (3) A baggage or cargo loading delay caused by an outage of a 
    bag system not controlled by a carrier or its contractor.
        (4) Cybersecurity attacks (provided that the air carrier is in 
    compliance with applicable cybersecurity regulations).
        (5) A shutdown or system failure of government systems that 
    directly affects the ability of an air carrier to safely conduct 
    flights and is unexpected.
        (6) Overheated brakes due to a safety incident resulting in the 
    use of emergency procedures.
        (7) Unscheduled maintenance, including in response to an 
    airworthiness directive, manifesting outside a scheduled 
    maintenance program that cannot be deferred or must be addressed 
    before flight.
        (8) An emergency that required medical attention through no 
    fault of the carrier.
        (9) The removal of an unruly passenger.
        (10) An airport closure due to the presence of volcanic ash, 
    wind, or wind shear.
    (c) Family Seating Complaints.--
        (1) In general.--The Director of the Bureau of Transportation 
    Statistics shall update the reporting framework of the Bureau to 
    create a new category to identify and track information on 
    complaints related to family seating.
        (2) Sunset.--The requirements in paragraph (1) shall cease to 
    be effective on the date on which the rulemaking required by 
    section 513 is effective.
    (d) Air Travel Consumer Report.--
        (1) ATCSCC delays.--The Secretary shall include information on 
    delays and cancellations that are due to instructions from the FAA 
    Air Traffic Control System Command Center in the Air Travel 
    Consumer Report issued by the Office of Aviation Consumer 
    Protection of the Department of Transportation.
        (2) Family seating complaints.--The Secretary shall include 
    information on complaints related to family seating--
            (A) in the Air Travel Consumer Report issued by the Office 
        of Aviation Consumer Protection of the Department of 
        Transportation; and
            (B) on the family seating dashboard required by subsection 
        (a)(2).
        (3) Sunset.--The requirements in paragraph (2) shall cease to 
    be effective on the date on which the rulemaking required by 
    section 513 is effective.
    SEC. 512. REIMBURSEMENT FOR INCURRED COSTS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall direct all air carriers providing 
scheduled passenger interstate or intrastate air transportation to 
establish policies regarding reimbursement for lodging, transportation 
between such lodging and the airport, and meal costs incurred due to a 
flight cancellation or significant delay directly attributable to the 
air carrier.
    (b) Definition of Significantly Delayed.--In this section, the term 
``significantly delayed'' means, with respect to air transportation, 
the departure or arrival at the originally ticketed destination 
associated with such transportation has changed--
        (1) in the case of a domestic flight, 3 or more hours after the 
    original scheduled arrival time; and
        (2) in the case of an international flight, 6 or more hours 
    after the original scheduled arrival time.
    (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as providing the Secretary with any additional authorities 
beyond the authority to require air carriers establish the policies 
referred to in subsection (a).
    SEC. 513. STREAMLINING OF OFFLINE TICKET DISCLOSURES.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall take such action as may be 
necessary to update the process by which an air carrier or ticket agent 
is required to fulfill disclosure obligations in ticketing transactions 
for air transportation not completed through a website.
    (b) Requirements.--The process updated under subsection (a) shall--
        (1) include means of referral to the applicable air carrier 
    website with respect to disclosures related to air carrier optional 
    fees and policies;
        (2) include a means of referral to the website of the 
    Department of Transportation with respect to any other required 
    disclosures to air transportation passengers;
        (3) make no changes to air carrier or ticket agent obligations 
    with respect to--
            (A) section 41712(c) of title 49, United States Code; or
            (B) subsections (a) and (b) of section 399.84 of title 14, 
        Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations); and
        (4) require disclosures referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) 
    to be made in the manner existing prior to the date of enactment of 
    this Act upon passenger request.
    (c) Air Carrier Defined.--In this section, the term ``air carrier'' 
has the meaning given such term in section 40102(a) of title 49, United 
States Code.
    SEC. 514. GAO STUDY ON COMPETITION AND CONSOLIDATION IN THE AIR 
      CARRIER INDUSTRY.
    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study assessing 
competition and consolidation in the United States air carrier 
industry. Such study shall include an assessment of data related to--
        (1) the history of mergers in the United States air carrier 
    industry, including whether any claimed efficiencies have been 
    realized;
        (2) the effect of consolidation in the United States air 
    carrier industry, if any, on consumers;
        (3) the effect of consolidation in the United States air 
    carrier industry, if any, on air transportation service in small 
    and rural markets; and
        (4) the current state of competition in the United States air 
    carrier industry as of the date of enactment of this Act.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the study 
conducted under subsection (a), and recommendations for such 
legislative and administrative action as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.
    SEC. 515. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE OPERATIONAL PREPAREDNESS OF 
      AIR CARRIERS FOR CERTAIN EVENTS.
    (a) Study.--
        (1) In general.--The Comptroller General shall study and assess 
    the operational preparedness of air carriers for changing weather 
    and other events related to changing conditions and natural 
    hazards, including flooding, extreme heat, changes in 
    precipitation, storms, including winter storms, coastal storms, 
    tropical storms, and hurricanes, and fire conditions.
        (2) Requirements.--As part of the study required under 
    paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall assess the following:
            (A) The extent to which air carriers are preparing for 
        weather events and natural disasters, as well as changing 
        conditions and natural hazards, that may impact operational 
        investments of air carriers, staffing levels and safety 
        policies, mitigation strategies, and other resiliency planning.
            (B) How the FAA oversees operational resilience of air 
        carriers relating to storms, natural disasters, and changing 
        conditions.
            (C) Steps the Federal Government and air carriers can take 
        to improve operational resilience relating to storms, natural 
        disasters, and changing conditions.
    (b) Briefing and Report.--
        (1) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall brief the 
    appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the study 
    required under subsection (a), and recommendations for such 
    legislative and administrative action as the Comptroller General 
    determines appropriate.
        (2) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the briefing 
    required by paragraph (1) is provided, the Comptroller General 
    shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on 
    the results of the study required under subsection (a), and 
    recommendations for such legislative and administrative action as 
    the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
    (c) Definition of Air Carrier.--In this section, the term ``air 
carrier'' has the meaning given such term in section 40102 of title 49, 
United States Code.
    SEC. 516. FAMILY SEATING.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking to establish a policy directing air carriers that assign 
seats, or allow individuals to select seats in advance of the date of 
departure of a flight, to sit each young child adjacent to an 
accompanying adult, to the greatest extent practicable, if adjacent 
seat assignments are available at any time after the ticket is issued 
for each young child and before the first passenger boards the flight.
    (b) Prohibition on Fees.--The notice of proposed rulemaking 
described in subsection (a) shall include a provision that prohibits an 
air carrier from charging a fee, or imposing an additional cost beyond 
the ticket price of the additional seat, to seat each young child 
adjacent to an accompanying adult within the same class of service.
    (c) Rule of Construction.--Notwithstanding the requirement in 
subsection (a), nothing in this section may be construed to allow the 
Secretary to impose a change in the overall seating or boarding policy 
of an air carrier that has an open or flexible seating policy in place 
that generally allows adjacent family seating as described under this 
section.
    (d) Young Child.--In this section, the term ``young child'' means 
an individual who has not attained 14 years of age.
    SEC. 517. PASSENGER EXPERIENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish an advisory 
committee to advise the Secretary and the Administrator in carrying out 
activities relating to the improvement of the passenger experience in 
air transportation customer service. The advisory committee shall not 
duplicate the work of any other advisory committee.
    (b) Membership.--The Secretary shall appoint the members of the 
advisory committee, which shall be comprised of at least 1 
representative of each of--
        (1) mainline air carriers;
        (2) air carriers with a low-cost or ultra-low-cost business 
    model;
        (3) regional air carriers;
        (4) large hub airport sponsors and operators;
        (5) medium hub airport sponsors and operators;
        (6) small hub airport sponsors and operators;
        (7) nonhub airport sponsors and operators;
        (8) ticket agents;
        (9) representatives of intermodal transportation companies that 
    operate at airports;
        (10) airport concessionaires;
        (11) nonprofit public interest groups with expertise in 
    consumer protection matters;
        (12) senior managers of the FAA Air Traffic Organization;
        (13) aircraft manufacturers;
        (14) entities representing individuals with disabilities;
        (15) certified labor organizations representing aviation 
    workers, including--
            (A) FAA employees;
            (B) airline pilots working for air carriers operating under 
        part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations;
            (C) flight attendants working for air carriers operating 
        under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
            (D) other customer-facing airline and airport workers;
        (16) other organizations or industry segments as determined by 
    the Secretary; and
        (17) other Federal agencies that directly interface with 
    passengers at airports.
    (c) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the advisory committee under this 
section shall be filled in a manner consistent with subsection (b).
    (d) Travel Expenses.--Members of the advisory committee under this 
section shall serve without pay but shall receive travel expenses, 
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with 
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
    (e) Chair.--The Secretary shall designate an individual among the 
individuals appointed under subsection (b) to serve as Chair of the 
advisory committee.
    (f) Duties.--The duties of the advisory committee shall include--
        (1) evaluating ways to improve the comprehensive passenger 
    experience, including--
            (A) transportation between airport terminals and 
        facilities;
            (B) baggage handling;
            (C) wayfinding;
            (D) the security screening process; and
            (E) the communication of flight delays and cancellations;
        (2) evaluating ways to improve efficiency in the national 
    airspace system affecting passengers;
        (3) evaluating ways to improve the cooperation and coordination 
    between the Department of Transportation and other Federal agencies 
    that directly interface with aviation passengers at airports;
        (4) responding to other taskings determined by the Secretary; 
    and
        (5) providing recommendations to the Secretary and the 
    Administrator, if determined necessary during the evaluations 
    considered in paragraphs (1) through (4).
    (g) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary 
shall submit to Congress a report containing--
        (1) consensus recommendations made by the advisory committee 
    since such date of enactment or the previous report, as 
    appropriate; and
        (2) an explanation of how the Secretary has implemented such 
    recommendations and, for such recommendations not implemented, the 
    Secretary's reason for not implementing such recommendation.
    (h) Definition.--The definitions in section 40102 of title 49, 
United States Code, shall apply to this section.
    (i) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on October 1, 
2028.
    (j) Termination of DOT ACCESS Advisory Committee.--The ACCESS 
Advisory Committee of the Department of Transportation shall terminate 
on the date of enactment of this Act.
    SEC. 518. UPDATING PASSENGER INFORMATION REQUIREMENT REGULATIONS.
    (a) ARAC Tasking.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Aviation 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee with--
        (1) reviewing passenger information requirement regulations 
    under section 121.317 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulation, and 
    such other related regulations as the Administrator determines 
    appropriate; and
        (2) making recommendations to update and improve such 
    regulations.
    (b) Final Regulation.--Not later than 6 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final regulation 
revising section 121.317 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and 
such other related regulations as the Administrator determines 
appropriate, to--
        (1) update such section and regulations to incorporate 
    exemptions commonly issued by the Administrator;
        (2) reflect civil penalty inflation adjustments; and
        (3) incorporate such updates and improvements recommended by 
    the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee that the Administrator 
    determines appropriate.
    SEC. 519. SEAT DIMENSIONS.
    Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall--
        (1) initiate a rulemaking activity based on the regulation 
    described in section 577 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
    U.S.C. 42301 note); or
        (2) if the Administrator decides not to pursue the rulemaking 
    described in paragraph (1), the Administrator shall brief 
    appropriate committees of Congress on the justification of such 
    decision.
    SEC. 520. MODERNIZATION OF CONSUMER COMPLAINT SUBMISSIONS.
    Section 42302 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read 
as follows:
``Sec. 42302. Consumer complaints
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall--
        ``(1) maintain an accessible website through the Office of 
    Aviation Consumer Protection to accept the submission of complaints 
    from airline passengers regarding air travel service problems; and
        ``(2) take appropriate actions to notify the public of such 
    accessible website.
    ``(b) Notice to Passengers on the Internet.--An air carrier or 
foreign air carrier providing scheduled air transportation using any 
aircraft that as originally designed has a passenger capacity of 30 or 
more passenger seats shall include on the accessible website of the 
carrier--
        ``(1) the accessible website, e-mail address, or telephone 
    number of the air carrier for the submission of complaints by 
    passengers about air travel service problems; and
        ``(2) the accessible website maintained pursuant to subsection 
    (a).
    ``(c) Use of Additional or Alternative Technologies.--The Secretary 
shall periodically evaluate the benefits of using mobile phone 
applications or other widely used technologies to--
        ``(1) provide additional or alternative means for air 
    passengers to submit complaints; and
        ``(2) provide such additional or alternative means as the 
    Secretary determines appropriate.
    ``(d) Air Ambulance Providers.--Each air ambulance provider shall 
include the accessible website, or a link to such accessible website, 
maintained pursuant to subsection (a) and the contact information for 
the Aviation Consumer Advocate established by section 424 of the FAA 
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 42302 note) on--
        ``(1) any invoice, bill, or other communication provided to a 
    passenger or customer of such provider; and
        ``(2) the accessible website and any related mobile device 
    application of such provider.''.

                       Subtitle B--Accessibility

    SEC. 541. AIR CARRIER ACCESS ACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
    (a) In General.--Section 439 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 41705 note) is amended--
        (1) in the section heading by striking ``advisory committee on 
    the air travel needs of passengers with disabilities'' and 
    inserting ``air carrier access act advisory committee'';
        (2) in subsection (c)(1) by striking subparagraph (G) and 
    inserting the following:
            ``(G) Manufacturers of wheelchairs, including powered 
        wheelchairs, and other mobility aids.''; and
        (3) in subsection (g) by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and 
    inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1(b) of the FAA Reauthorization 
Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) is amended by striking the item 
relating to section 439 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 439. Air Carrier Access Act advisory committee.''.
    SEC. 542. IMPROVED TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ASSISTING PASSENGERS WHO 
      USE WHEELCHAIRS.
    (a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking to develop requirements for minimum training standards for 
airline personnel or contractors who assist wheelchair users who board 
or deplane using an aisle chair or other boarding device.
    (b) Requirements.--The training standards developed under 
subsection (a) shall require, at a minimum, that airline personnel or 
contractors who assist passengers who use wheelchairs who board or 
deplane using an aisle chair or other boarding device--
        (1) before being allowed to assist a passenger using an aisle 
    chair or other boarding device to board or deplane, be able to 
    successfully demonstrate skills (during hands-on training sessions) 
    on--
            (A) how to safely use the aisle chair, or other boarding 
        device, including the use of all straps, brakes, and other 
        safety features;
            (B) how to assist in the transfer of passengers to and from 
        their wheelchair, the aisle chair, and the aircraft's passenger 
        seat, either by physically lifting the passenger or deploying a 
        mechanical device for the lift or transfer; and
            (C) how to effectively communicate with, and take 
        instruction from, the passenger;
        (2) are trained regarding the availability of accessible 
    lavatories and on-board wheelchairs and the right of a qualified 
    individual with a disability to request an on-board wheelchair; and
        (3) complete refresher training within 18 months of an initial 
    training and be recertified on the job every 18 months thereafter 
    by a relevant superior in order to remain qualified for providing 
    aisle chair assistance.
    (c) Considerations.--In conducting the rulemaking under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum--
        (1) whether to require air carriers and foreign air carriers to 
    partner with national disability organizations and disabled 
    veterans organizations representing individuals with disabilities 
    who use wheelchairs and scooters in developing, administering, and 
    auditing training;
        (2) whether to require air carriers and foreign air carriers to 
    use a lift device, instead of an aisle chair, to board and deplane 
    passengers with mobility disabilities; and
        (3) whether individuals able to provide boarding and deplaning 
    assistance for passengers with limited or no mobility should 
    receive training incorporating procedures from medical 
    professionals on how to properly lift these passengers.
    (d) Final Rule.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant 
to the rulemaking conducted under this section.
    (e) Penalties.--The Secretary may assess a civil penalty in 
accordance with section 46301 of title 49, United States Code, to any 
air carrier or foreign air carrier who fails to meet the requirements 
established under the final rule under subsection (d).
    SEC. 543. TRAINING STANDARDS FOR STOWAGE OF WHEELCHAIRS AND 
      SCOOTERS.
    (a) Rulemaking.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking to develop minimum training standards related to stowage of 
wheelchairs and scooters used by passengers with disabilities on 
aircraft.
    (b) Requirements.--The training standards developed under 
subsection (a) shall require, at a minimum, that personnel and 
contractors of air carriers and foreign air carriers who stow 
wheelchairs and scooters on aircraft--
        (1) before being allowed to handle or stow a wheelchair or 
    scooter, be able to successfully demonstrate skills (during hands-
    on training sessions) on--
            (A) how to properly handle and configure, at a minimum, the 
        most commonly used power and manual wheelchairs and scooters 
        for stowage on each aircraft type operated by the air carrier 
        or foreign air carrier;
            (B) how to properly review any wheelchair or scooter 
        information provided by the passenger or the wheelchair or 
        scooter manufacturer; and
            (C) how to properly load, secure, and unload wheelchairs 
        and scooters, including how to use any specialized equipment 
        for loading or unloading, on each aircraft type operated by the 
        air carrier or foreign air carrier; and
        (2) complete refresher training within 18 months of an initial 
    training and be recertified on the job every 18 months thereafter 
    by a relevant superior in order to remain qualified for handling 
    and stowing wheelchairs and scooters.
    (c) Considerations.--In conducting the rulemaking under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall consider, at a minimum, whether to require air 
carriers and foreign air carriers to partner with wheelchair or scooter 
manufacturers, national disability and disabled veterans organizations 
representing individuals who use wheelchairs and scooters, and aircraft 
manufacturers, in developing, administering, and auditing training.
    (d) Final Rule.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant 
to the rulemaking conducted under this section.
    (e) Penalties.--The Secretary may assess a civil penalty in 
accordance with section 46301 of title 49, United States Code, to any 
air carrier or foreign air carrier who fails to meet the requirements 
established under the final rule under subsection (d).
    SEC. 544. MOBILITY AIDS ON BOARD IMPROVE LIVES AND EMPOWER ALL.
    (a) Publication of Cargo Hold Dimensions.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall require air carriers to 
    publish in a prominent and easily accessible place on the public 
    website of the air carrier, information describing the relevant 
    dimensions and other characteristics of the cargo holds of all 
    aircraft types operated by the air carrier, including the 
    dimensions of the cargo hold entry, that would limit the size, 
    weight, and allowable type of cargo.
        (2) Proprietary information.--The Secretary shall allow an air 
    carrier to protect the confidentiality of any trade secret or 
    proprietary information submitted in accordance with paragraph (1), 
    as appropriate.
    (b) Refund Required for Individual Traveling With Wheelchair.--In 
the case of a qualified individual with a disability traveling with a 
wheelchair who has purchased a ticket for a flight from an air carrier, 
but who cannot travel on the aircraft for such flight because the 
wheelchair of such qualified individual cannot be physically 
accommodated in the cargo hold of the aircraft, the Secretary shall 
require such air carrier to offer a refund to such qualified individual 
of any previously paid fares, fees, and taxes applicable to such 
flight.
    (c) Evaluation of Data Regarding Damaged Wheelchairs.--Not later 
than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually 
thereafter, the Secretary shall--
        (1) evaluate data regarding the type and frequency of incidents 
    of the mishandling of wheelchairs on aircraft and delineate such 
    data by--
            (A) types of wheelchairs involved in such incidents; and
            (B) the ways in which wheelchairs are mishandled, including 
        the type of damage to wheelchairs (such as broken drive wheels 
        or casters, bent or broken frames, damage to electrical 
        connectors or wires, control input devices, joysticks, 
        upholstery or other components, loss, or delay of return);
        (2) determine whether there are trends with respect to the data 
    evaluated under paragraph (1); and
        (3) make available on the public website of the Department of 
    Transportation, in an accessible manner, a report containing the 
    results of the evaluation of data and determination made under 
    paragraphs (1) and (2) and a description of how the Secretary plans 
    to address such results.
    (d) Report to Congress on Mishandled Wheelchairs.--Upon completion 
of each annual report required under subsection (c), the Secretary 
shall transmit to the appropriate committees of Congress such report.
    (e) Feasibility of In-Cabin Wheelchair Restraint Systems.--
        (1) Roadmap.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
    of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate 
    committees of Congress a publicly available strategic roadmap that 
    describes how the Department of Transportation and the United 
    States Access Board, respectively, shall, in accordance with the 
    recommendations from the National Academies of Science, 
    Engineering, and Mathematics Transportation Research Board Special 
    Report 341--
            (A) establish a program of research, in collaboration with 
        the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society 
        of North America, the assistive technology industry, air 
        carriers, original equipment manufacturers, national disability 
        and disabled veterans organizations, and any other relevant 
        stakeholders, to test and evaluate an appropriate selection of 
        WC19-compliant wheelchairs and accessories in accordance with 
        applicable FAA crashworthiness and safety performance criteria, 
        including the issues and considerations set forth in such 
        Special Report 341; and
            (B) sponsor studies that assess issues and considerations, 
        including those set forth in such Special Report 341, such as--
                (i) the likely demand for air travel by individuals who 
            are nonambulatory if such individuals could remain seated 
            in their personal wheelchairs in flight; and
                (ii) the feasibility of implementing seating 
            arrangements that would accommodate passengers in 
            wheelchairs in the main cabin in flight.
        (2) Study.--If determined to be technically feasible by the 
    Secretary, not later than 2 years after making such determination, 
    the Secretary shall commence a study to assess the economic and 
    financial feasibility of air carriers and foreign air carriers 
    implementing seating arrangements that accommodate passengers with 
    wheelchairs in the main cabin during flight. Such study shall 
    include an assessment of--
            (A) the cost of such seating arrangements, equipment, and 
        installation;
            (B) the demand for such seating arrangements;
            (C) the impact of such seating arrangements on passenger 
        seating and safety on aircraft;
            (D) the impact of such seating arrangements on the cost of 
        operations and airfare; and
            (E) any other information determined appropriate by the 
        Secretary.
        (3) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the 
    study under paragraph (2) is completed, the Secretary shall submit 
    to the appropriate committees of Congress a publicly available 
    report describing the results of the study conducted under 
    paragraph (2) and any recommendations the Secretary determines 
    appropriate.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
    given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
        (2) Disability; qualified individual with a disability.--The 
    terms ``disability'' and ``qualified individual with a disability'' 
    have the meanings given such terms in section 382.3 of title 14, 
    Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on date of enactment of 
    this Act).
        (3) Wheelchair.--The term ``wheelchair'' has the meaning given 
    such term in section 37.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations 
    (as in effect on date of enactment of this Act), and includes power 
    wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and scooters.
    SEC. 545. PRIORITIZING ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR 
      AVIATION CONSUMERS.
    (a) Annual Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall 
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, and make publicly 
available, a report on aviation consumer complaints related to 
passengers with a disability filed with the Department of 
Transportation.
    (b) Contents.--Each annual report submitted under subsection (a) 
shall, at a minimum, include the following:
        (1) The number of aviation consumer complaints reported to the 
    Secretary related to passengers with a disability filed with the 
    Department of Transportation during the calendar year preceding the 
    year in which such report is submitted.
        (2) The nature of such complaints, including reported issues 
    with--
            (A) an air carrier, including an air carrier's staff 
        training or lack thereof;
            (B) mishandling of passengers with a disability or their 
        accessibility equipment, including mobility aids and 
        wheelchairs;
            (C) the condition, availability, or lack of accessibility 
        of equipment operated by an air carrier or a contractor of an 
        air carrier;
            (D) the accessibility of in-flight services, including 
        accessing and using on-board lavatories, for passengers with a 
        disability;
            (E) difficulties experienced by passengers with a 
        disability in communicating with air carrier personnel;
            (F) difficulties experienced by passengers with a 
        disability in being moved, handled, or otherwise assisted;
            (G) an air carrier changing the flight itinerary of a 
        passenger with a disability without the consent of such 
        passenger;
            (H) issues experienced by passengers with a disability 
        traveling with a service animal; and
            (I) such other issues as the Secretary determines 
        appropriate.
        (3) An overview of the review process for such complaints 
    received during such calendar year.
        (4) The median length of time for how quickly review of such 
    complaints was initiated by the Secretary.
        (5) The median length of time for how quickly such complaints 
    were resolved or otherwise addressed.
        (6) Of the complaints that were found to violate section 41705 
    of title 49, United States Code--
            (A) the number of such complaints for which a formal 
        enforcement order was issued; and
            (B) the number of such complaints for which a formal 
        enforcement order was not issued.
        (7) How many aviation consumer complaints related to passengers 
    with a disability were referred to the Department of Justice for an 
    enforcement action under--
            (A) section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 
        U.S.C. 794);
            (B) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 
        12101 et seq.); or
            (C) any other provision of law.
        (8) How many aviation consumer complaints related to passengers 
    with a disability filed with the Department of Transportation that 
    involved airport staff (or other matters under the jurisdiction of 
    the FAA) were referred to the FAA.
        (9) The number of disability-related aviation consumer 
    complaints filed with the Department of Transportation involving 
    Transportation Security Administration staff that were referred to 
    the Transportation Security Administration or the Department of 
    Homeland Security.
    (c) Definitions.--
        (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
    definitions set forth in section 40102 of title 49, United States 
    Code, and section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
    apply to this section.
        (2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' means an air carrier 
    conducting passenger operations under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations.
        (3) Passengers with a disability.--In this section, the term 
    ``passengers with a disability'' has the meaning given the term 
    ``qualified individual with a disability'' in section 382.3 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 546. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH 
      DISABILITIES.
    (a) In General.--
        (1) Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 180 
    days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
    issue an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking regarding seating 
    accommodations for any qualified individual with a disability.
        (2) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 18 months 
    after the date on which the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking 
    under paragraph (1) is completed, the Secretary shall issue a 
    notice of proposed rulemaking regarding seating accommodations for 
    any qualified individual with a disability.
        (3) Final rule.--Not later than 30 months after the date on 
    which the notice of proposed rulemaking under subparagraph (B) is 
    completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule pursuant to the 
    rulemaking conducted under this subsection.
    (b) Considerations.--In carrying out the advanced notice of 
proposed rulemaking required in subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall 
consider the following:
        (1) The scope and anticipated number of qualified individuals 
    with a disability who--
            (A) may need to be seated with a companion to receive 
        assistance during a flight; or
            (B) should be afforded bulkhead seats or other seating 
        considerations.
        (2) The types of disabilities that may need seating 
    accommodations.
        (3) Whether such qualified individuals with a disability are 
    unable to obtain, or have difficulty obtaining, appropriate seating 
    accommodations.
        (4) The scope and anticipated number of individuals assisting a 
    qualified individual with a disability who should be afforded an 
    adjoining seat pursuant to section 382.81 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations.
        (5) Any notification given to qualified individuals with a 
    disability regarding available seating accommodations.
        (6) Any method that is adequate to identify fraudulent claims 
    for seating accommodations.
        (7) Any other information determined appropriate by the 
    Secretary.
    (c) Known Service Animal Travel Pilot Program.--
        (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a pilot program 
    to allow approved program participants as known service animals for 
    purposes of exemption from the documentation requirements under 
    part 382 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, with respect to 
    air travel with a service animal.
        (2) Requirements.--The pilot program established under 
    paragraph (1) shall--
            (A) be optional for a service animal accompanying a 
        qualified individual with a disability;
            (B) provide for assistance for applicants, including over-
        the-phone assistance, throughout the application process for 
        the program; and
            (C) with respect to any web-based components of the pilot 
        program, meet or exceed the standards described in section 508 
        of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d) and the 
        regulations implementing that Act as set forth in part 1194 of 
        title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor 
        regulations).
        (3) Consultation.--In establishing the pilot program under 
    paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with--
            (A) disability organizations, including advocacy and 
        nonprofit organizations that represent or provide services to 
        individuals with disabilities;
            (B) air carriers and foreign air carriers;
            (C) accredited service animal training programs and 
        authorized registrars, such as the International Guide Dog 
        Federation, Assistance Dogs International, and other similar 
        organizations and foreign and domestic governmental registrars 
        of service animals;
            (D) other relevant departments or agencies of the Federal 
        Government; and
            (E) other entities determined to be appropriate by the 
        Secretary.
        (4) Eligibility.--To be eligible to participate in the pilot 
    program under this subsection, an individual shall--
            (A) be a qualified individual with a disability;
            (B) require the assistance of a service animal because of a 
        disability; and
            (C) submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in 
        such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary 
        may require.
        (5) Clarification.--The Secretary may award a grant or enter 
    into a contract or cooperative agreement in order to carry out this 
    subsection.
        (6) Nominal fee.--The Secretary may require an applicant to pay 
    a nominal fee, not to exceed $25, to participate in the pilot 
    program.
        (7) Reports to congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
    establishment of the pilot program under this subsection, and 
    annually thereafter until the date described in paragraph (8), the 
    Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
    and make publicly available report on the progress of the pilot 
    program.
        (8) Sunset.--The pilot program shall terminate on the date that 
    is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
    (d) Accredited Service Animal Training Programs and Authorized 
Registrars.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary shall publish and maintain, on the website of 
the Department of Transportation, a list of--
        (1) accredited programs that train service animals; and
        (2) authorized registrars that evaluate service animals.
    (e) Report to Congress on Service Animal Requests.--Not later than 
1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually 
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report on requests for air travel with service animals, 
including--
        (1) during the reporting period, how many requests to board an 
    aircraft with a service animal were made in total, and how many 
    requests were made by qualified individuals with disabilities; and
        (2) the number and percentage of such requests, categorized by 
    type of request, that were reported by air carriers or foreign air 
    carriers as--
            (A) granted;
            (B) denied but not fraudulent; or
            (C) denied as fraudulent.
    (f) Training.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
    enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, in consultation 
    with the Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee, issue guidance 
    regarding improvements to training for airline personnel (including 
    contractors) in recognizing when a qualified individual with a 
    disability is traveling with a service animal.
        (2) Requirements.--The guidance issued under paragraph (1) 
    shall--
            (A) take into account respectful engagement with and 
        assistance for individuals with a wide range of visible and 
        nonvisible disabilities;
            (B) provide information on--
                (i) service animal behavior and whether the service 
            animal is appropriately harnessed, leashed, or otherwise 
            tethered; and
                (ii) the various types of service animals, such as 
            guide dogs, hearing or signal dogs, psychiatric service 
            dogs, sensory or social signal dogs, and seizure response 
            dogs; and
            (C) outline the rights and responsibilities of the handler 
        of the service animal.
    (g) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
    given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
        (2) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air carrier'' has 
    the meaning given that term in section 40102 of title 49, United 
    States Code.
        (3) Qualified individual with a disability.--The term 
    ``qualified individual with a disability'' has the meaning given 
    that term in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations.
        (4) Service animal.--The term ``service animal'' has the 
    meaning given that term in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 547. EQUAL ACCESSIBILITY TO PASSENGER PORTALS.
    (a) Applications and Information Communication Technologies.--Not 
later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary shall, in consultation with the United States Architectural 
and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, issue regulations setting 
forth minimum standards to ensure that individuals with disabilities 
are able to access customer-focused kiosks, software applications, and 
websites of air carriers, foreign air carriers, and airports, in a 
manner that is equally as effective, and has a substantially equivalent 
ease of use, as for individuals without disabilities.
    (b) Consistency With Guidelines.--The standards set forth under 
subsection (a) shall be consistent with the standards contained in the 
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 Level AA of the Web 
Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium or any 
subsequent version of such Guidelines.
    (c) Review.--
        (1) Air carrier access act advisory committee review.--The Air 
    Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee shall periodically review, 
    and make appropriate recommendations regarding, the accessibility 
    of websites, kiosks, and information communication technology of 
    air carriers, foreign air carriers, and airports, and make such 
    recommendations publicly available.
        (2) DOT review.--Not later than 5 years after issuing 
    regulations under subsection (a), and every 5 years thereafter, the 
    Secretary shall--
            (A) review the recommendations of the Air Carrier Access 
        Act Advisory Committee regarding the regulations issued under 
        this subsection; and
            (B) update such regulations as necessary.
    SEC. 548. AIRCRAFT ACCESS STANDARDS.
    (a) Aircraft Access Standards.--
        (1) Standards.--
            (A) Advance notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 
        1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
        shall issue an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking regarding 
        standards to ensure that the aircraft boarding and deplaning 
        process is accessible, in terms of design for, transportation 
        of, and communication with, individuals with disabilities, 
        including individuals who use wheelchairs.
            (B) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year 
        after the date on which the advanced notice of proposed 
        rulemaking under subparagraph (A) is completed, the Secretary 
        shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding standards 
        addressed in subparagraph (A).
            (C) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
        which the notice of proposed rulemaking under subparagraph (B) 
        is completed, the Secretary shall issue a final rule.
        (2) Covered airport, equipment, and features.--The standards 
    prescribed under paragraph (1)(A) shall address, at a minimum--
            (A) boarding and deplaning equipment;
            (B) improved procedures to ensure the priority cabin 
        stowage for manual assistive devices pursuant to section 382.67 
        of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
            (C) improved cargo hold storage to prevent damage to 
        assistive devices.
        (3) Consultation.--For purposes of the rulemaking under this 
    subsection, the Secretary shall consult with the Access Board and 
    any other relevant department or agency to determine appropriate 
    accessibility standards.
    (b) In-Flight Entertainment Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue 
a notice of proposed rulemaking in accordance with the November 22, 
2016, resolution of the Department of Transportation ACCESS Committee 
and the consensus recommendation set forth in the Term Sheet Reflecting 
Agreement of the Access Committee Regarding In-Flight Entertainment.
    (c) Negotiated Rulemaking on In-Cabin Wheelchair Restraint Systems 
and Enplaning and Deplaning Standards.--
        (1) Timing.--
            (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after completion of 
        the report required by section 544(e)(2), and if such report 
        finds economic and financial feasibility of air carriers and 
        foreign air carriers implementing seating arrangements that 
        accommodate individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs 
        (including power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and scooters) 
        in the main cabin during flight, the Secretary shall conduct a 
        negotiated rulemaking on new type certificated aircraft 
        standards for seating arrangements that accommodate such 
        individuals in the main cabin during flight or an accessible 
        route to a minimum of 2 aircraft passenger seats for passengers 
        to access from personal assistive devices of such individuals.
            (B) Requirement.--The negotiated rulemaking under 
        subparagraph (A) shall include participation of representatives 
        of--
                (i) air carriers;
                (ii) aircraft manufacturers;
                (iii) national disability organizations;
                (iv) aviation safety experts; and
                (v) mobility aid manufacturers.
        (2) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after 
    the completion of the negotiated rulemaking required under 
    paragraph (1), the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed 
    rulemaking regarding the standards described in paragraph (1).
        (3) Final rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which 
    the notice of proposed rulemaking under paragraph (2) is completed, 
    the Secretary shall issue a final rule regarding the standards 
    described in paragraph (1).
        (4) Considerations.--In the negotiated rulemaking and 
    rulemaking required under this subsection, the Secretary shall 
    consider--
            (A) a reasonable period for the design, certification, and 
        construction of aircraft that meet the requirements;
            (B) the safety of all persons on-board the aircraft, 
        including necessary wheelchair standards and wheelchair 
        compliance with FAA crashworthiness and safety performance 
        criteria; and
            (C) the costs of design, installation, equipage, and 
        aircraft capacity impacts, including partial fleet equipage and 
        fare impacts.
    (d) Visual and Tactilely Accessible Announcements.--The Advisory 
Committee established under section 439 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 41705 note) shall examine technical solutions and 
the feasibility of visually and tactilely accessible announcements on-
board aircraft.
    (e) Airport Facilities.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, in direct consultation with 
the Access Board, prescribe regulations setting forth minimum standards 
under section 41705 of title 49, United States Code, that ensure all 
gates (including counters), ticketing areas, and customer service desks 
covered under such section at airports are accessible to and usable by 
all individuals with disabilities, including through the provision of 
visually and tactilely accessible announcements and full and equal 
access to aural communications.
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Access board.--The term ``Access Board'' means the 
    Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
        (2) Air carrier.--The term ``air carrier'' has the meaning 
    given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United States Code.
        (3) Individual with a disability.--The term ``individual with a 
    disability'' has the meaning given such term in section 382.3 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (4) Foreign air carrier.--The term ``foreign air carrier'' has 
    the meaning given such term in section 40102 of title 49, United 
    States Code.
    SEC. 549. INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS.
    Section 41705(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking paragraph (1), and inserting the following:
        ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
            ``(A) not later than 120 days after the receipt of any 
        complaint of a violation of this section or a regulation 
        prescribed under this section, investigate such complaint; and
            ``(B) provide, in writing, to the individual that filed the 
        complaint and the air carrier or foreign air carrier alleged to 
        have violated this section or a regulation prescribed under 
        this section, the determination of the Secretary with respect 
        to--
                ``(i) whether the air carrier or foreign air carrier 
            violated this section or a regulation prescribed under this 
            section;
                ``(ii) the facts underlying the complaint; and
                ``(iii) any action the Secretary is taking in response 
            to the complaint.''.
    SEC. 550. REMOVAL OF OUTDATED REFERENCES TO PASSENGERS WITH 
      DISABILITIES.
    (a) Sovereignty and Use of Airspace.--Section 40103(a)(2) of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``handicapped 
individuals'' and inserting ``individuals with disabilities''.
    (b) Special Prices for Foreign Air Transportation.--Section 
41511(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``handicap'' and inserting ``disability''.
    (c) Discrimination Against Individuals With Disabilities.--Section 
41705 of title 49, United States Code, is amended in the heading by 
striking ``handicapped individuals'' and inserting ``individuals with 
disabilities''.
    (d) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
41705 and inserting the following:
``41705. Discrimination against individuals with disabilities.''.
    SEC. 551. ON-BOARD WHEELCHAIRS IN AIRCRAFT CABIN.
    (a) In General.--If an individual informs an air carrier or foreign 
air carrier at the time of booking a ticket for air transportation on a 
covered aircraft that the individual requires the use of any 
wheelchair, the air carrier or foreign air carrier shall provide 
information regarding the provision and use of on-board wheelchairs, 
including the rights and responsibilities of the air carrier and 
passenger as such rights and responsibilities relate to the provision 
and use of on-board wheelchairs.
    (b) Availability of Information.--An air carrier or foreign air 
carrier that operates a covered aircraft shall provide on a publicly 
available website of the carrier information regarding the rights and 
responsibilities of both passengers on such aircraft and the air 
carrier or foreign air carrier relating to on-board wheelchairs, 
including--
        (1) that an air carrier or foreign air carrier is required to 
    equip aircraft that have more than 60 passenger seats and that have 
    an accessible lavatory (whether or not having such a lavatory is 
    required by section 382.63 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations) with an on-board wheelchair, unless an exception 
    described in such section 382.65 applies;
        (2) that a qualified individual with a disability (as defined 
    in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (as in 
    effect on date of enactment of this Act)) may request an on-board 
    wheelchair on aircraft with more than 60 passenger seats even if 
    the lavatory is not accessible and that the basis of such request 
    must be that the individual can use an inaccessible lavatory but 
    cannot reach it from a seat without using an on-board wheelchair;
        (3) that the air carrier or foreign air carrier may require the 
    qualified individual with a disability to provide the advance 
    notice specified in section 382.27 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, in order for the individual to be provided with the 
    on-board wheelchair; and
        (4) if the air carrier or foreign air carrier requires the 
    advance notice described in paragraph (3), information on how such 
    a qualified individual with a disability can make such a request.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Applicability of terms.--The definitions contained in 
    section 40102 of title 49, United States Code, apply to this 
    section.
        (2) Covered aircraft.--The term ``covered aircraft'' means an 
    aircraft that is required to be equipped with on-board wheelchairs 
    in accordance with section 382.65 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations.
    SEC. 552. AIRCRAFT ACCESSIBILITY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a program to study and 
evaluate the accessibility of new transport category aircraft designs 
certified, including, at a minimum--
        (1) considering the safe boarding and deplaning processes for 
    such aircraft, including individuals who use wheelchairs or other 
    mobility aids, are blind or have limited vision, or are deaf or 
    hard of hearing; and
        (2) determining such aircraft can provide accessible 
    lavatories.
    (b) Consultation.--In conducting the study and evaluation under 
this section, the Secretary shall consult with--
        (1) air carriers;
        (2) aircraft manufacturers and aerospace supply companies; and
        (3) other stakeholders as determined appropriate by the 
    Secretary.
    (c) Report and Recommendations.--Not later than 3 years after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress--
        (1) a report on the findings of the study and evaluation under 
    subsection (a); and
        (2) any recommendations based on the findings of such study and 
    evaluation.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to require the Secretary to require the retrofit of transport 
category aircraft based on the findings and evaluation under subsection 
(a).

                  Subtitle C--Air Service Development

    SEC. 561. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE REFORMS.
    (a) Reduction in Subsidy Cap.--
        (1) In general.--Section 41731(a)(1)(C) of title 49, United 
    States Code, is amended to read as follows:
            ``(C) had an average subsidy per passenger, as determined 
        by the Secretary--
                ``(i) of less than $1,000 during the most recent fiscal 
            year beginning before October 1, 2026, regardless of 
            driving miles to the nearest large or medium hub airport;
                ``(ii) of less than $850 during the most recent fiscal 
            year beginning after September 30, 2026, regardless of 
            driving miles to the nearest medium or large hub airport; 
            and
                ``(iii) of less than $650 during the most recent fiscal 
            year for locations that are less than 175 miles from the 
            nearest large or medium hub airport; and''.
        (2) Notice.--Section 41731(a)(1)(D)(ii) is amended by striking 
    ``90-day'' and inserting ``140-day''.
        (3) Waivers.--Section 41731(e) of title 49, United States Code, 
    is amended to read as follows:
    ``(e) Waivers.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may waive, on an annual basis, 
    subsections (a)(1)(B) and (a)(1)(C)(iii) with respect to an 
    eligible place if such place demonstrates to the Secretary's 
    satisfaction that the reason the eligibility requirements of such 
    subsections are not met is due to a temporary decline in demand.
        ``(2) Limitation.--Beginning with fiscal year 2027, the 
    Secretary may not provide a waiver of subsection (a)(1)(B) to any 
    location--
            ``(A) in more than 2 consecutive fiscal years; or
            ``(B) in more than 5 fiscal years within 25 consecutive 
        years.
        ``(3) Limitation.--Beginning in fiscal year 2027, the Secretary 
    may not provide a waiver of subsection (a)(1)(C)(iii) to any 
    location--
            ``(A) in more than 2 consecutive fiscal years; or
            ``(B) in more than 5 fiscal years within 25 consecutive 
        years.''.
        (4) Conforming amendments.--
            (A) Section 332 of the Department of Transportation and 
        Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public Law 106-69; 
        49 U.S.C. 41731 note) is repealed.
            (B) Subsections (c) and (d) of section 426 of the FAA 
        Modernization and Reform Act (49 U.S.C. 41731 note) are 
        repealed.
    (b) Restriction on Length of Routes.--
        (1) In general.--Section 41732(a)(1) of title 49, United States 
    Code, is amended to read as follows:
        ``(1) to a medium or large hub airport less than 650 miles from 
    an eligible place (unless such airport or eligible place are 
    located in a noncontiguous State); or''.
        (2) Exception.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall not 
    apply to an eligible place that is served by an air carrier 
    selected to receive essential air service compensation under 
    subchapter II of chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, if--
            (A) such service is in effect upon the date of enactment of 
        this Act; and
            (B) such service is provided by the same air carrier that 
        provided service on the date of enactment of this Act.
        (3) Sunset.--Paragraph (2) shall cease to have effect on 
    October 1, 2028.
    (c) Improvements to Basic Essential Air Service.--Section 41732 of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)(2) by inserting ``medium or large'' after 
    ``nearest''; and
        (2) in subsection (b)--
            (A) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4);
            (B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (3); and
            (C) by striking paragraph (6).
    (d) Level of Basic Essential Air Service.--Section 41733 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (c)(1)--
            (A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
        following:
        ``(B) the contractual, marketing, code-share, or interline 
    arrangements the applicant has made with a larger air carrier 
    serving the hub airport;'';
            (B) by striking subparagraph (C);
            (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (F) as 
        subparagraphs (C) through (E), respectively;
            (D) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by striking 
        ``giving substantial weight to'' and inserting ``including'';
            (E) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by striking 
        ``and'' at the end;
            (F) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by striking 
        the period and inserting ``; and''; and
            (G) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(F) the total compensation proposed by the air carrier for 
    providing scheduled air service under this section.''; and
        (2) in subsection (h) by striking ``by section 332 of the 
    Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations 
    Act, 2000 (Public Law 106-69; 113 Stat. 1022)'' and inserting 
    ``under section 41731(a)(1)(C)''.
    (e) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that route 
structures to rural airports serve a critical function to the Nation by 
connecting many military installations to major regional airline hubs.
    (f) Ending, Suspending, and Reducing Basic Essential Air Service.--
Section 41734 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)--
            (A) by striking ``An air carrier'' and inserting ``Subject 
        to subsection (d), an air carrier''; and
            (B) by striking ``90'' and inserting ``140'';
        (2) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
    ``(d) Continuation of Compensation After Notice Period.--
        ``(1) In general.--If an air carrier receiving compensation 
    under section 41733 for providing basic essential air service to an 
    eligible place is required to continue to provide service to such 
    place under this section after the 140-day notice period under 
    subsection (a), the Secretary--
            ``(A) shall provide the carrier with compensation 
        sufficient to pay to the carrier the amount required by the 
        then existing contract for performing the basic essential air 
        service that was being provided when the 140-day notice was 
        given under subsection (a);
            ``(B) may pay an additional amount that represents a 
        reasonable return on investment; and
            ``(C) may pay an additional return that recognizes the 
        demonstrated additional lost profits from opportunities 
        foregone and the likelihood that those lost profits increase as 
        the period during which the carrier or provider is required to 
        provide the service continues.
        ``(2) Authority.--The Secretary may incorporate contract 
    termination penalties or conditions on compensation into a contract 
    for an air carrier to provide service to an eligible place that 
    take effect in the event an air carrier provides notice that it is 
    ending, suspending, or reducing basic essential air service.'';
        (3) in subsection (e) by striking ``providing that service 
    after the 90-day notice period'' and all that follows through the 
    period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting ``providing that 
    service after the 140-day notice period required by subsection (a), 
    the Secretary may provide the air carrier with compensation after 
    the end of the 140-day notice period to pay for the fully allocated 
    actual cost to the air carrier of performing the basic essential 
    air service that was being provided when the 140-day notice was 
    given under subsection (a) plus a reasonable return on investment 
    that is at least 5 percent of operating costs.''; and
        (4) in subsection (f) by inserting ``air'' after ``find 
    another''.
    (g) Enhanced Essential Air Service.--Section 41735 of title 49, 
United States Code, and the item relating to such section in the 
analysis for subchapter II of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.
    (h) Compensation Guidelines, Limitations, and Claims.--Section 
41737(d) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary may''; and
        (2) by striking paragraph (2).
    (i) Joint Proposals.--Section 41740 of title 49, United States 
Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for 
subchapter II of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.
    (j) Preservation of Basic Essential Air Service at Single Carrier 
Dominated Hub Airports.--Section 41744 of title 49, United States Code, 
and the item relating to such section in the analysis for subchapter II 
of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.
    (k) Community and Regional Choice Programs.--Section 41745 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking subparagraph (E) and 
    redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (E);
        (2) by striking subsections (b) and (c); and
        (3) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as subsections 
    (b) through (e), respectively.
    (l) Marketing Program.--Section 41748 of title 49, United States 
Code, and the item relating to such section in the analysis for 
subchapter II of chapter 417 of such title, are repealed.
    SEC. 562. SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.
    Section 41743 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (c)--
            (A) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``10-year'' and 
        inserting ``5-year''; and
            (B) in paragraph (5)--
                (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (G) as 
            subparagraphs (C) through (H), respectively;
                (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
            ``(B) the community has demonstrated support from at least 
        1 air carrier to provide service;''; and
                (iii) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, by 
            inserting ``or substantially reduced (as measured by 
            enplanements, capacity (seats), schedule, connections, or 
            routes)'' after ``terminated'';
        (2) in subsection (d)--
            (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``, which shall begin 
        with each new grant, including same-project new grants, and 
        which shall be calculated on a non-consecutive basis for air 
        carriers that provide air service that is seasonal'' after ``3 
        years''; and
            (B) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``, or an airport where 
        air service has been terminated or substantially reduced,'' 
        before ``to obtain service'';
        (3) in subsection (e)--
            (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``or the community's 
        current air service needs'' after ``the project''; and
            (B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``$10,000,000 for each of 
        fiscal years 2018 through 2023'' and all that follows through 
        ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting ``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal 
        years 2024 through 2028'';
        (4) in subsection (g)(4) by striking ``and the creation of 
    aviation development zones''; and
        (5) by striking subsections (f) and (h) and redesignating 
    subsection (g) (as amended by paragraph (4)) as subsection (f).
    SEC. 563. GAO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE ALTERNATE ESSENTIAL AIR 
      SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM.
    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall study the effectiveness 
of the alternate essential air service pilot program established under 
section 41745 of title 49, United States Code, (in this section 
referred to as the ``Alternate EAS program''), including challenges, if 
any, that have impeded robust community participation in the Alternate 
EAS program.
    (b) Contents.--The study required under subsection (a) shall 
include an assessment of potential changes to the Alternate EAS program 
and the basic essential air service programs under subchapter II of 
chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, including changes in which 
Governors of States or territories containing essential air service 
communities would be given block grants in lieu of essential air 
service subsidies.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the study required under subsection 
(a), including any recommendations for legislation and administrative 
action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.
    SEC. 564. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE IN PARTS OF ALASKA.
    Not later than September 1, 2024, the Secretary, in consultation 
with the appropriate State authority of Alaska, shall review all 
domestic points in the State of Alaska that were deleted from carrier 
certificates between July 1, 1968, and October 24, 1978, and that were 
not subsequently determined to be an eligible place prior to January 1, 
1982, as a result of being unpopulated at that time due to destruction 
during the 1964 earthquake and its resultant tidal wave, to determine 
whether such points have been resettled or relocated and should be 
designated as an eligible place entitled to receive a determination of 
the level of essential air service supported, if necessary, with 
Federal funds.
    SEC. 565. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE COMMUNITY PETITION FOR REVIEW.
    (a) In General.--Section 41733 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) in subsection (b)(2) by inserting ``, as defined by the 
    Secretary'' after ``appropriate representative of the place''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Community Petition for Review.--
        ``(1) Petition.--An appropriate representative of an eligible 
    place, as defined by the Secretary, may submit to the Secretary a 
    petition expressing no confidence in the air carrier providing 
    basic essential air service under this section and requesting a 
    review by the Secretary. A petition submitted under this subsection 
    shall demonstrate that the air carrier--
            ``(A) is unwilling or unable to meet the operational 
        specifications outlined in the order issued by the Secretary 
        specifying the terms of basic essential air service to such 
        place;
            ``(B) is experiencing reliability challenges with the 
        potential to adversely affect air service to such place; or
            ``(C) is no longer able to provide service to such place at 
        the rate of compensation specified by the Secretary.
        ``(2) Review.--Not later than 2 months after the date on which 
    the Secretary receives a petition under paragraph (1), the 
    Secretary shall review the operational performance of the air 
    carrier providing basic essential air service to such place that 
    submitted such petition and determine whether such air carrier is 
    fully complying with the obligations specified in the order issued 
    by the Secretary specifying the terms of basic essential air 
    service to such place.
        ``(3) Termination.--If based on a review under paragraph (2), 
    the Secretary determines noncompliance by an air carrier with an 
    order specifying the terms for basic essential air service to the 
    community, the Secretary may--
            ``(A) terminate the order issued to the air carrier; and
            ``(B) issue a notice pursuant to subsection (c) that an air 
        carrier may apply to provide basic essential air service to 
        such place for compensation under this section and select an 
        applicant pursuant to such subsection.
        ``(4) Continuation of service.--If the Secretary makes a 
    determination under paragraph (3) to terminate an order issued to 
    an air carrier under this section, the Secretary shall ensure 
    continuity in air service to the affected place.''.
    SEC. 566. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE AUTHORIZATION.
    Section 41742(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``$155,000,000 for fiscal year 2018'' and all that follows 
through ``May 10, 2024,'' and inserting ``$348,544,000 for fiscal year 
2024, $340,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, $342,000,000 for fiscal year 
2026, $342,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, and $350,000,000 for fiscal 
year 2028''.
    SEC. 567. GAO STUDY ON COSTS OF ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE.
    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of the 
change in costs of the essential air service program under sections 
41731 through 41742 of title 49, United States Code.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall--
        (1) assess trends in costs of the essential air service program 
    under sections 41731 through 41742 of title 49, United States Code, 
    over the 10-year period ending on the date of enactment of this 
    Act; and
        (2) review potential causes for the increased cost of the 
    essential air service program, including--
            (A) labor costs;
            (B) fuel costs;
            (C) aging aircraft costs;
            (D) air carrier opportunity costs;
            (E) airport costs; and
            (F) the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted 
under subsection (a).
    SEC. 568. RESPONSE TIME FOR APPLICATIONS TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL AIR 
      SERVICE.
    The Secretary shall take such actions as are necessary to respond 
with an approval or denial of any application filed by an applicant to 
provide essential air service under subchapter II of chapter 417 of 
title 49, United States Code, to the greatest extent practicable not 
later than 6 months after receiving such application. The Assistant 
General Counsel for International and Aviation Economic Law shall 
ensure the timely review of all orders proposed by the Essential Air 
Service Office, and such timeliness shall be analyzed annually by the 
General Counsel of the Department of Transportation.
    SEC. 569. GAO STUDY ON CERTAIN AIRPORT DELAYS.
    The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on flight delays in 
the States of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and the possible 
causes of such delays.
    SEC. 570. REPORT ON RESTORATION OF SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with 
the National Academies to conduct a study on the loss of commercial air 
service in small communities in the United States and options to 
restore such service.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), that National Academies shall--
        (1) assess the reduction of scheduled commercial air service to 
    small communities over a 5-year period ending on the date of 
    enactment of this Act, to include small communities that have lost 
    all scheduled commercial air service;
        (2) review economic trends that have resulted in reduction or 
    loss of scheduled commercial air service to such communities;
        (3) review the economic losses of such communities who have 
    suffered a reduction or loss of scheduled commercial air service;
        (4) identify the causes that prompted air carriers to reduce or 
    eliminate scheduled commercial air service to such communities;
        (5) assess the impact of changing aircraft economics; and
        (6) identify recommendations that can be implemented by such 
    communities or Federal, State, or local agencies to aid in the 
    restoration or replacement of scheduled commercial air service.
    (c) Case Studies.--In conducting the study required under 
subsection (a), the National Academies shall assess not fewer than 7 
communities that have lost commercial air service or have had 
commercial air service significantly reduced in the past 15 years, 
including--
        (1) Williamsport Regional Airport;
        (2) Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport; and
        (3) Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the National Academies shall submit to the Secretary and the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing--
        (1) the results of the study described in subsection (a); and
        (2) recommendations to Congress and communities on action that 
    can be taken to improve or restore scheduled commercial service to 
    small communities.
    (e) Funding.--No funding made available to carry out subchapter II 
of chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, may be used to carry 
out this section.

           TITLE VI--MODERNIZING THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM

    SEC. 601. INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM INSTALLATION.
    (a) In General.--Not later than January 1, 2025, the Administrator 
shall expedite the installation of at least 15 instrument landing 
systems (in this section referred to as ``ILS'') in the national 
airspace system by utilizing the existing ILS contract vehicle and the 
employees of the FAA.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall--
        (1) incorporate lessons learned from installations under 
    section 44502(a)(4) of title 49, United States Code;
        (2) record metrics of cost and time savings of expedited 
    installations;
        (3) consider opportunities to further develop ILS technical 
    expertise among the employees of the FAA; and
        (4) consider the cost-benefit analysis of utilizing the 
    existing ILS contract vehicle, the employees of the FAA, or both, 
    to accelerate the installation and deployment of procured 
    equipment.
    (c) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than June 30, 2025, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress--
        (1) on the installation of ILS under this section;
        (2) describing any planned near-term ILS installations; and
        (3) outlining the approach of the FAA to accelerate future 
    procurement and installation of ILS throughout the national 
    airspace system in a manner consistent with the requirements of 
    title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs 
    Act (Public Law 117-58).
    SEC. 602. NAVIGATION AIDS STUDY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation shall initiate a study examining the effects of 
reclassifying navigation aids to Design Assurance Level-A from Design 
Assurance Level-B, including the following navigation aids:
        (1) Distance measuring equipment.
        (2) Very high frequency omni-directional range.
        (3) Tactical air navigation.
        (4) Wide area augmentation system.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), the inspector general shall address--
        (1) the cost-benefit analyses associated with the 
    reclassification described in such subsection;
        (2) the findings from the operational safety assessments and 
    preliminary hazard analyses of the navigation aids listed in such 
    subsection;
        (3) the risks of such reclassification on navigation aid 
    equipment currently in use;
        (4) the potential impacts on global interoperability of 
    navigational aids; and
        (5) what additional actions should be taken based on the 
    findings of this subsection.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the inspector general shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report describing the results of the study 
conducted under subsection (a).
    SEC. 603. NEXTGEN ACCOUNTABILITY REVIEW.
    (a) In General.--Not later than December 31, 2026, the 
Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement with the National 
Academy of Public Administration to initiate a review to assess the 
performance of the FAA in delivering and implementing quantifiable 
operational benefits to the national airspace system within the NextGen 
program.
    (b) Review Requirements.--In conducting the review required under 
subsection (a), the National Academy of Public Administration shall--
        (1) leverage metrics used by the FAA to quantify the benefits 
    of NextGen technology and investments;
        (2) validate metrics and identify additional metrics the FAA 
    can use to track national airspace system throughput and savings as 
    a result of NextGen investments--
            (A) by calculating a per flight average, weighted by 
        distance, of the--
                (i) reduction and cumulative savings of track miles and 
            time savings;
                (ii) reduction and cumulative savings of emissions and 
            fuel burn; and
                (iii) reduction of aircraft operation time; and
            (B) by using any other metrics that the National Academy 
        determines may provide insights into the quantifiable benefits 
        for operators in the national airspace system; and
        (3) validate current metrics and identify additional metrics 
    the FAA can use to track and assess fleet equipage across operators 
    in the national airspace system, including identifying--
            (A) the percentage of aircraft equipped with NextGen 
        avionics equipment as recommended in the report of the NextGen 
        Advisory Committee titled ``Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad 
        Hoc Team NAC Task 19-1 Report'', issued on November 17, 2020;
            (B) quantified costs and benefits for an operator to 
        properly equip an aircraft with baseline NextGen avionics 
        equipment over the lifecycle of such aircraft; and
            (C) cumulative unrealized NextGen benefits associated with 
        rates of mixed equipage across operators.
    (c) Industry Consultation.--In conducting the review required under 
subsection (a), the National Academy of Public Administration may 
consult with aviation industry stakeholders.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the initiation of the 
review under subsection (a), the National Academy shall submit to the 
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
containing any findings and recommendations under such review.
    (e) Publication.--Not later than 180 days after receiving the 
report required under subsection (d), the Administrator shall establish 
a website of the FAA that can be used to monitor and update--
        (1) the metrics identified by the review conducted under 
    subsection (a) on a quarterly and annual basis through 2030, as 
    appropriate; and
        (2) the total amount invested in NextGen technologies and 
    resulting quantifiable benefits on a quarterly basis until the 
    Administrator announces the completion of NextGen implementation.
    SEC. 604. AIRSPACE ACCESS.
    (a) Coalescing Airspace.--
        (1) Review of national airspace system.--Not later than 3 years 
    after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in 
    coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall conduct a 
    comprehensive review of the airspace of the national airspace 
    system, including special use airspace.
        (2) Streamlining and expediting access.--In carrying out 
    paragraph (1), the Administrator shall identify methods to 
    streamline, expedite, and provide greater flexibility of access to 
    certain categories of airspace for users of the national airspace 
    system who may not regularly have such access.
    (b) Briefing.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 3 months after the completion 
    of review the under subsection (a), the Administrator shall brief 
    the appropriate committees of Congress on the findings of such 
    review and a proposed action plan to improve access to airspace for 
    users of the national airspace system.
        (2) Contents.--In the briefing under paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall include, at a minimum, the following:
            (A) An identification of current challenges and barriers 
        faced by airspace users in accessing certain categories of 
        airspace, including special use airspace.
            (B) An evaluation of existing procedures, regulations, and 
        requirements that may impede or delay access to certain 
        categories of airspace for certain users of the national 
        airspace system.
            (C) Actions for streamlining and expediting the airspace 
        access process, including potential regulatory changes, 
        technological advancements, and enhanced coordination among 
        relevant stakeholders and Federal agencies.
            (D) If determined appropriate, an implementation plan for a 
        framework that allows for temporary access to certain 
        categories of airspace, including special use airspace, by 
        users of the national airspace system who do not have regular 
        access to such airspace.
            (E) An assessment of the impact of airspace access 
        improvements described in paragraph (1) on the safety of, 
        efficiency of, and economic opportunities for airspace users, 
        including--
                (i) military operators;
                (ii) commercial operators; and
                (iii) general aviation operators.
        (3) Implementation and follow-up.--
            (A) Action plan.--The Administrator shall take such actions 
        as are necessary to implement the action plan developed 
        pursuant to this section.
            (B) Coordination.--In implementing the action plan under 
        subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall coordinate with 
        relevant stakeholders, including airspace users and the 
        Secretary of Defense, to ensure effective implementation of 
        such action plan, and ongoing collaboration in addressing 
        airspace access challenges.
            (C) Progress reports.--The Administrator shall provide to 
        the appropriate committees of Congress periodic briefings on 
        the implementation of the action plan developed under this 
        subparagraph (A), including updates on--
                (i) the adoption of streamlined procedures;
                (ii) technological enhancements; and
                (iii) any regulatory changes necessary to improve 
            airspace access and flexibility.
    SEC. 605. FAA CONTRACT TOWER WORKFORCE AUDIT.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation shall initiate an audit of the workforce needs of the 
Contract Tower Program, as established under section 47124 of title 49, 
United States Code.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the audit required under subsection 
(a), the inspector general shall, at a minimum--
        (1) review the assumptions and methodologies used in assessing 
    FAA contract towers staffing levels and determine the adequacy of 
    staffing levels at such towers;
        (2) evaluate the supply and demand of trained and certificated 
    personnel prepared for work and such towers;
        (3) examine efforts to establish an air traffic controller 
    training program or curriculum to allow contract tower contractors 
    to conduct--
            (A) initial training of controller candidates employed or 
        soon to be employed by such contractors who do not have a 
        Control Tower Operator certificate or a FAA tower credential;
            (B) any initial training for controller candidates who have 
        completed an approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training 
        Initiative program from an accredited school that has a 
        demonstrated successful curriculum; or
            (C) on-the-job training of such candidates described in 
        subparagraphs (A) or (B);
        (4) assess whether establishing pathways to allow contract 
    tower contractors to use the air traffic technical training academy 
    of the FAA, or other means such as higher educational institutions, 
    to provide initial technical training for air traffic controllers 
    employed by such contractors could improve the workforce needs of 
    the contract tower program and any related impact such training may 
    have on air traffic controller staffing more broadly; and
        (5) consult with the exclusive bargaining representative of the 
    air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, 
    United States Code.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the completion of the 
audit under subsection (a), the inspector general shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings of such 
audit and any recommendations as a result of such audit.
    (d) Implementation.--The Administrator shall take such actions as 
are necessary to implement any recommendations included in the report 
required under subsection (c) with which the Administrator concurs.
    (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be 
construed as a delegation of authority by the Administrator to air 
traffic control contractors for the purposes of issuing initial 
certifications to air traffic controllers.
    SEC. 606. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER SAFETY.
    In designing, adopting a design, or constructing an air traffic 
control tower based on a previously adopted design, the Administrator 
shall prioritize the safety of the national airspace system, the safety 
of employees of the Administration, the operational reliability of such 
air traffic control tower, and the costs of such tower.
    SEC. 607. AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES DATA REPORTS.
    Section 45303(g)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ``8 years'' and inserting ``14 years''.
    SEC. 608. CONSIDERATION OF SMALL HUB CONTROL TOWERS.
    In selecting projects for the replacement of federally owned air 
traffic control towers from funds made available under the heading 
``Federal Aviation Administration--Facilities and Equipment'' in title 
VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act 
(Public Law 117-58), the Administrator shall consider selecting 
projects at small hub commercial service airports with control towers 
that are at least 50 years old.
    SEC. 609. FLIGHT PROFILE OPTIMIZATION.
    (a) Pilot Program.--
        (1) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a pilot 
    program to award grants to air traffic flow management technology 
    providers to develop prototype capabilities to incorporate flight 
    profile optimization (in this section referred to as ``FPO'') into 
    the trajectory based-operations air traffic flow management system 
    of the FAA.
        (2) Considerations.--In establishing the pilot program under 
    paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider the following:
            (A) The extent to which developed FPO capabilities may 
        reduce strain on the national airspace system infrastructure 
        while facilitating safe and efficient flow of future air 
        traffic volumes and diverse range of aircraft and advanced 
        aviation aircraft.
            (B) The extent to which developed FPO capabilities may 
        achieve environmental benefits and time savings.
            (C) The perspectives of FAA employees responsible for air 
        traffic flow management development projects, bilateral civil 
        aviation regulatory partners, and industry applicants on the 
        performance of the FAA in carrying out air traffic flow 
        management system development projects.
            (D) Any other information the Administrator determines 
        appropriate.
        (3) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under the 
    program, an air traffic flow management technology provider shall 
    submit an application to the Administrator at such time, in such 
    manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may 
    require.
        (4) Maximum amount.--A grant awarded under the program may not 
    exceed $2,000,000 to a single air traffic flow management 
    technology provider.
    (b) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the termination of 
the pilot program under subsection (d) established under this section, 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
the progress of such pilot program, including any implementation 
challenges of the program, detailed metrics of the program, and any 
recommendations to achieve the adoption of FPO.
    (c) Trajectory-based Operations Defined.--In this section, the term 
``trajectory-based operations'' means an air traffic flow management 
method for strategically planning, managing, and optimizing flights 
that uses time-based management, performance-based navigation, and 
other capabilities and processes to achieve air traffic flow management 
operational objectives and improvements.
    (d) Sunset.--The pilot program under this section shall terminate 
on October 1, 2028.
    SEC. 610. EXTENSION OF ENHANCED AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES PILOT PROGRAM.
    Section 547 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40103 
note) is amended--
        (1) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
    ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
        ``(1) Certain nextgen avionics.--The term `certain NextGen 
    avionics' means those avionics and baseline capabilities as 
    recommended in the report of the NextGen Advisory Committee titled 
    `Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team NAC Task 19-1 Report', 
    issued on November 17, 2020.
        ``(2) Preferential basis.--The term `preferential basis' means 
    prioritizing aircraft equipped with certain NextGen avionics by 
    providing them more efficient service, shorter queuing, or priority 
    clearances to the maximum extent possible without reducing overall 
    capacity or safety of the national airspace system.''; and
        (2) in subsection (e) by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and 
    inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    SEC. 611. FEDERAL CONTACT TOWER WAGE DETERMINATIONS AND POSITIONS.
    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall request that the Secretary of 
Labor--
        (1) review and update, as necessary, including to account for 
    cost-of-living adjustments, the basis for the wage determination 
    for air traffic controllers who are employed at air traffic control 
    towers operated under the Contract Tower Program established under 
    section 47124 of title 49, United States Code;
        (2) reassess the basis for air traffic controller occupation 
    codes;
        (3) create a new wage determination category or occupation code 
    for managers of air traffic controllers who are employed at air 
    traffic control towers operated under the Contract Tower Program; 
    and
        (4) consult with the Administrator in carrying out the 
    requirements of paragraphs (1) through (3).
    (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that 
includes--
        (1) a description of the findings and conclusions of the review 
    and reassessment made under subsection (a);
        (2) an explanation of and justification for the basis for the 
    wage determination; and
        (3) a description of the actions taken by the Department of 
    Transportation and the Department of Labor to ensure that contract 
    tower air traffic controller wages are adjusted for inflation and 
    are assigned the appropriate occupation codes.
    SEC. 612. BRIEFING ON RADIO COMMUNICATIONS COVERAGE AROUND 
      MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.
    (a) Briefing Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the radio communications coverage within the 
airspace surrounding the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport in Mena, 
Arkansas.
    (b) Briefing Contents.--The briefing required under subsection (a) 
shall include the following:
        (1) The radio communications coverage within the airspace 
    surrounding the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport with the 
    applicable Air Route Traffic Control Center.
        (2) The altitudes at which radio communications capabilities 
    are lost within such airspace.
        (3) Recommendations on changes to increase radio communications 
    coverage below 4,000 feet above ground level within such airspace.
    SEC. 613. AERONAUTICAL MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.
    (a) Satellite Voice Communications Services.--The Administrator 
shall evaluate the addition of satellite voice communication services 
(in this section referred to as ``SatVoice'') to the Aeronautical 
Mobile Communications program (in this section referred to as the 
``AMCS program'') that provides for the delivery of air traffic control 
messages in oceanic and remote continental airspace.
    (b) Analysis and Implementation Procedures.--Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall begin 
to develop the safety case analysis and implementation procedures for 
SatVoice instructions over the controlled oceanic and remote 
continental airspace regions of the FAA.
    (c) Requirements.--The analysis and implementation procedures 
required under subsection (b) shall include, at a minimum, the 
following:
        (1) Network and protocol testing and integration with satellite 
    service providers.
        (2) Operational testing with aircraft to identify and resolve 
    performance issues.
        (3) A definition of Satcom Standards and Recommended Practices 
    established through a collaboration with the International Civil 
    Aviation Organization, which shall include an RCP-130 performance 
    standard as well as SatVoice standards.
        (4) Training for radio operators on new operation procedures 
    and protocols.
        (5) A phased implementation plan for incorporating SatVoice 
    services into the AMCS program.
        (6) The estimated cost of the implementation procedures for 
    relevant stakeholders.
    (d) HF/VHF Minimum Equipage.--
        (1) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
    construed to affect the HF/VHF equipage requirement for 
    communications in oceanic and remote continental airspace as of the 
    date of enactment of this Act.
        (2) Maintenance of hf/vhf services.--The Administrator shall 
    maintain HF/VHF services existing as of the date of enactment of 
    this Act as minimum equipage under the AMCS program to provide for 
    auxiliary communication and maintain safety in the event of a 
    satellite outage.
    SEC. 614. DELIVERY OF CLEARANCE TO PILOTS VIA INTERNET PROTOCOL.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a pilot 
program to conduct testing and an evaluation to determine the 
feasibility of the use, in air traffic control towers, of technology 
for mobile clearance delivery for general aviation and on-demand air 
carriers operating under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, at suitable airports that do not have tower data link 
services.
    (b) Airport Selection.--
        (1) In general.--The Administrator shall designate 5 suitable 
    airports for participation in the program established under 
    subsection (a) after consultation with the exclusive 
    representatives of air traffic controllers certified under section 
    7111 of title 5, United States Code, airport sponsors, aircraft and 
    avionics manufacturers, MITRE, and aircraft operators
        (2) Airport size and complexity.--In designating airports under 
    paragraph (1), the Administrator shall designate airports of 
    different size and complexity.
    (c) Program Objective.--The program established under subsection 
(a) shall address and include safety, security, and operational 
requirements for mobile clearance delivery at airports and heliports 
across the United States.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the 
program under subsection (a) is established, the Administrator shall 
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the 
safety, security, and operational performance of mobile clearance 
delivery at airports pursuant to this section and recommendations on 
how best to improve the program.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Mobile clearance delivery.--The term ``mobile clearance 
    delivery'' means the delivery of access to departure clearance and 
    clearance cancellation via internet protocol via applications to 
    pilots while aircraft are on the ground where traditional data link 
    installations are not feasible or possible.
        (2) Tower data link services.--The term ``tower data link 
    services'' means communications between controllers and pilots 
    using controller-pilot data link communications.
        (3) Suitable airport.--The term ``suitable airport'' means 
    towered airports, non-towered airports, and heliports.
    SEC. 615. STUDY ON CONGESTED AIRSPACE.
    (a) Study.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study on the 
efficiency and efficacy of scheduled commercial air service transiting 
congested airspace.
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall examine--
        (1) various regions of congested airspace and the differing 
    factors of such regions;
        (2) commercial air service;
        (3) military flight activity;
        (4) emergency response activity;
        (5) commercial space launch and reentry activities;
        (6) weather; and
        (7) air traffic controller staffing.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the initiation of the 
study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the study 
and recommendations to reduce the impacts to scheduled air service 
transiting congested airspace.
    SEC. 616. BRIEFING ON LIT VORTAC PROJECT.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on the Little Rock Port Authority Very High 
Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range Tactical Air Navigation Aid 
Project (in this section referred to as ``LIT VORTAC'').
    (b) Briefing Contents.--The briefing required under subsection (a) 
shall include the following:
        (1) The status of the efforts by the FAA to relocate the LIT 
    VORTAC.
        (2) The status of new flight planning of the relocated LIT 
    VORTAC.
        (3) A description of and timeline for each remaining phase of 
    the relocation of the LIT VORTAC.
    SEC. 617. SURFACE SURVEILLANCE.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct

  
 a review of surface surveillance systems that are operational as of 
such date of enactment.
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the review under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall--
        (1) demonstrate that any change to the configuration of surface 
    surveillance systems or decommissioning of a sensor from such 
    systems provides an equivalent level of safety as the current 
    system;
        (2) determine how a technology refresh of legacy sensor 
    equipment can reduce operational and maintenance costs of surface 
    surveillance systems compared to current costs and extend the 
    useful life and affordability of such systems; and
        (3) consider how to enhance such systems through new 
    capabilities and software tools that improve the safety of terminal 
    airspace and the airport surface.
    (c) Consultation.--In carrying out the review under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall consult with--
        (1) aviation safety experts with specific knowledge of surface 
    surveillance technology, including multilateration and automatic 
    dependent surveillance-broadcast;
        (2) representatives of the exclusive bargaining representative 
    of the air traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of 
    title 5, United States Code, with expertise in surface safety; and
        (3) representatives of the exclusive bargaining representative 
    of airway transportation systems specialists of the FAA certified 
    under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
    (d) Briefing.--Upon completion of the review under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
the findings of such review.
    (e) Implementation.--The Administrator may implement changes to 
surface surveillance systems consistent with the findings of the review 
described in subsection (d).
    SEC. 618. CONSIDERATION OF THIRD-PARTY SERVICES.
    (a) Plans and Policy.--Section 44501 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``development and location of 
    air navigation facilities'' and inserting ``development of air 
    navigation facilities and services''; and
        (2) in subsection (b)--
            (A) by striking ``and development'' and inserting 
        ``procurement, and development'' each place it appears;
            (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``facilities and 
        equipment'' and inserting ``facilities, services, and 
        equipment'';
            (C) in paragraph (2)--
                (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by 
            striking ``first and 2d years'' and inserting ``first and 
            second years''; and
                (ii) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``subclauses (A) 
            and (B) of this clause'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (A) 
            and (B)'';
            (D) in paragraph (3)--
                (i) by striking ``the 3d, 4th, and 5th'' and inserting 
            ``the third, fourth, and fifth''; and
                (ii) by striking ``systems and facilities'' and 
            inserting ``systems, services, and facilities''; and
            (E) in paragraph (4)(B) by striking ``growth of aviation'' 
        and inserting ``growth of the aerospace industry''.
    (b) Systems, Procedures, Facilities, Services, and Devices.--
        (1) In general.--Section 44505 of title 49, United States Code, 
    is amended--
            (A) in the section heading by striking ``and devices'' and 
        inserting ``services, and devices'';
            (B) in subsection (a) by striking ``and devices'' and 
        inserting ``services, and devices'' each place it appears; and
            (C) in subsection (b) by striking ``develop dynamic 
        simulation models'' and inserting ``develop or procure dynamic 
        simulation models and tools'' each place it appears.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 445 of title 
    49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to 
    section 44505 and inserting the following:
``44505. Systems, procedures, facilities, services, and devices.''.
    SEC. 619. NEXTGEN PROGRAMS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter as the Administrator 
determines appropriate, the Administrator shall convene FAA officials 
to evaluate and expedite the implementation of NextGen programs and 
capabilities.
    (b) Nextgen Program Prioritization.--In allocating amounts 
appropriated pursuant to section 48101(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, the Secretary shall give priority to the following activities:
        (1) Performance-based navigation.
        (2) Data communications.
        (3) Terminal flight data manager.
        (4) Aeronautical information management.
        (5) Other activities as recommended by the NextGen Advisory 
    Committee and determined by the Administrator to be appropriate.
    (c) Performance-based Navigation.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully implement 
    performance-based navigation procedures for all terminal and 
    enroute routes, including approach and departure procedures for 
    covered airports.
        (2) Specific procedures.--Pursuant to paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall prioritize the following performance-based 
    navigation procedures:
            (A) Trajectory-based operations.
            (B) Optimized profile descents.
            (C) Multiple airport route separation.
            (D) Established on required navigation performance.
            (E) Converging runway display aids.
        (3) Performance-based navigation baseline equipage 
    requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator 
    shall issue such regulations as may be required, and publish 
    applicable advisory circulars, to establish the equipage baseline 
    appropriate for aircraft to safely use performance-based navigation 
    procedures.
        (4) Utilization action plan.--Not later than 180 days after 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall, in consultation 
    with certified labor representatives of air traffic controllers and 
    the NextGen Advisory Committee, develop an action plan to utilize 
    performance-based navigation procedures as a primary means of 
    navigation to further reduce the dependency on legacy systems 
    within the national airspace system.
    (d) Data Communications.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully implement the 
    use of data communications.
        (2) Specific capabilities.--In carrying out subsection (a) and 
    this subsection, the Administrator shall prioritize the following 
    data communications capabilities:
            (A) Ground-to-ground message exchange for surface aircraft 
        operations and runway safety at airports.
            (B) Automated message generation and receipt.
            (C) Message routing and transmission.
            (D) Direct communications with aircraft avionics.
            (E) Implementation of data communications at all Air Route 
        Traffic Control Centers.
            (F) The Future Air Navigation System.
    (e) Terminal Flight Data Manager and Other Systems.--
        (1) Terminal flight data manager.--Not later than 4 years after 
    the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall install 
    the Terminal Flight Data Manager system at not less than 89 
    airports in the United States based on the highest number of annual 
    aircraft operations or a determination of operational need and the 
    impact of installation and deployment on the national airspace 
    system.
        (2) Electronic flight strips.--At a minimum, the Administrator 
    shall implement electronic flight strips at the air traffic control 
    towers of airports described in paragraph (1).
        (3) Flow management data and services.--Not later than 4 years 
    after the date of enactment of this Act, if the Administrator finds 
    that Terminal Flight Data Manager systems would be beneficial to 
    safety or efficiency, the Administrator shall install Flow 
    Management Data and Services at airports described under paragraph 
    (1).
        (4) Appropriations.--The activities under paragraphs (1), (2), 
    and (3) of this subsection shall be contingent on the appropriation 
    of funds to carry out this subsection.
    (f) Aeronautical Information Management Systems.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall fully modernize the 
    aeronautical information management systems of the FAA to improve 
    the functionality, useability, durability, and reliability of such 
    systems used in the national airspace system.
        (2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall--
            (A) improve the distribution of critical safety information 
        to pilots, air traffic control, and other relevant aviation 
        stakeholders;
            (B) fully develop and implement the Enterprise Information 
        Display System; and
            (C) notwithstanding a centralized aeronautical information 
        management system, restructure the back-up systems of 
        aeronautical information management systems to be independent 
        and self-sufficient from one another.
    (g) Nextgen Equipage Plan.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 14 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a 2-year 
    implementation plan to further incentivize the acceleration of the 
    equipage rates of certain NextGen avionics within the fleets of air 
    carriers (as such term is defined in section 40102(a) of title 49, 
    United States Code.
        (2) Contents.--In developing the plan required under paragraph 
    (1), the Administrator shall, at a minimum--
            (A) provide for further implementation and deployment of 
        NextGen operational improvements to incentivize universal 
        equipage of commercial and regional aircraft with certain 
        NextGen avionics;
            (B) identify any remaining barriers for operators of 
        commercial and regional aircraft to properly equip such 
        aircraft with certain NextGen avionics, including any methods 
        to address such barriers;
            (C) provide for the use of the best methods to highlight 
        and enhance to operators of commercial and regional aircraft 
        the benefits of equipping such aircraft with certain NextGen 
        avionics; and
            (D) include in such plan any equipage guidelines and 
        regulations the Administrator determines necessary and 
        appropriate.
        (3) Consultation.--In developing the plan under paragraph (1), 
    the Administrator shall consult with representatives from--
            (A) trade associations representing air carriers;
            (B) trade associations representing avionics manufacturers;
            (C) certified labor organizations representing air traffic 
        controllers; and
            (D) any other representatives the Administrator determines 
        appropriate.
        (4) Submission of plan.--Not later than 15 months after the 
    date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
    the appropriate committees of Congress the plan required under this 
    subsection.
        (5) Implementation.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate such 
    actions necessary to implement the plan developed under paragraph 
    (1), including initiating any required rulemaking.
        (6) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``certain NextGen 
    avionics'' means those avionics and baseline capabilities as 
    recommended in the report of the NextGen Advisory Committee titled 
    ``Minimum Capabilities List (MCL) Ad Hoc Team NAC Task 19-1 
    Report'', issued on November 17, 2020.
    (h) Effect of Failure to Meet Deadline.--
        (1) Notification of congress.--For each deadline established 
    under subsections (a) through (g), if the Administrator determines 
    that the Administrator has not met or will not meet each such 
    deadline, the Administrator shall, not later than 30 days after 
    such determination, notify the appropriate committees of Congress 
    about the failure to meet each deadline.
        (2) Contents of notification.--Each notification under 
    paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by the following:
            (A) An explanation as to why the Administrator will not or 
        did not meet the deadline described in such paragraph.
            (B) A description of the actions the Administrator plans to 
        take to meet the deadline described in such paragraph.
            (C) Actions Congress can take to assist the Administrator 
        in meeting the deadline described in such paragraph.
        (3) Briefing.--If the Administrator is required to provide 
    notice under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall provide the 
    appropriate committees of Congress quarterly briefings as to the 
    progress made by the Administrator regarding implementation under 
    the respective subsection for which the deadline will not be or was 
    not met until such time as the Administrator has completed the 
    required work under such subsection.
    (i) NextGen Advisory Committee Consultation.--
        (1) In general.--The Administrator shall consult and task the 
    NextGen Advisory Committee with providing recommendations on ways 
    to expedite, prioritize, and fully implement the NextGen program to 
    realize the operational benefits of such programs.
        (2) Considerations.--In providing recommendations under 
    paragraph (1), the NextGen Advisory Committee shall consider--
            (A) air traffic throughput of the national airspace system;
            (B) daily operational performance, including delays and 
        cancellations; and
            (C) the potential need for performance-based operational 
        metrics related to the NextGen program and subsequent air 
        traffic modernization programs and efforts.
    SEC. 620. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM.
    Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (b)(3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(H) Period for completion of an operational readiness 
        inspection.--The Secretary shall provide airport sponsors 
        acting in good faith 7 years to complete an operational 
        readiness inspection after receiving a benefit-to-cost ratio of 
        air traffic control services for an airport.''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Improving Controller Situational Awareness.--
        ``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall allow air traffic 
    controllers at towers operated under the Contract Tower Program to 
    use approved advanced equipment and technologies to improve 
    operational situational awareness, including Standard Terminal 
    Automation Replacement System radar displays, Automatic Dependent 
    Surveillance-Broadcast, Flight Data Input/Output, and Automatic 
    Terminal Information System.
        ``(2) Installation and maintenance.--Not later than 2 years 
    after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall 
    allow airports to--
            ``(A) procure a Standard Terminal Automation Replacement 
        System or any equivalent system through the Federal Aviation 
        Administration, and install and maintain such system using 
        Administration services; or
            ``(B) purchase a Standard Terminal Automation Replacement 
        System, or any equivalent system, and install and maintain such 
        system using services directly from an original equipment 
        manufacturer.
        ``(3) Requirements.--To help facilitate the integration of the 
    equipment and technology described in paragraph (1), the 
    Secretary--
            ``(A) shall establish minimum performance and technical 
        standards that ensure the safe use of equipment and technology, 
        including commercial radar displays capable of displaying 
        primary and secondary radar targets, for use by controllers in 
        contract towers to improve situational awareness;
            ``(B) shall identify approved vendors for such equipment 
        and technology, to the maximum extent practicable;
            ``(C) shall establish, in consultation with contract tower 
        operators, an appropriate training program to periodically 
        train air traffic controllers employed by such operators to 
        ensure proper and efficient integration and use of the 
        situational awareness equipment and technology described in 
        paragraph (1) into contract tower operations;
            ``(D) may add Standard Terminal Automation Replacement 
        System equipment or any equivalent system to the minimum level 
        of equipage necessary for Federal contract towers to perform 
        the function of such towers, as applicable; and
            ``(E) shall require that any technology, system, or 
        equipment procured pursuant to this subsection be procured 
        using non-Federal funds, except as made available under a grant 
        issued pursuant to 47124(b)(4).
    ``(g) Liability Insurance.--
        ``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
    enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall consult with 
    aviation industry experts, including air traffic control 
    contractors and aviation insurance professionals, to determine 
    adequate limits of liability for the Contract Tower Program.
        ``(2) Interim steps.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
    enactment of this subsection and until the Secretary makes a 
    determination on liability limits under paragraph (1), the 
    Secretary shall require air traffic control contractors to have 
    excess liability insurance (as determined by the Secretary) to 
    ensure continuity of such coverage should a major accident occur.
        ``(3) Briefing.--Not later than 24 months after the date of 
    enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall brief the 
    Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
    Representatives and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
    the Senate on the findings, conclusions, and actions taken and 
    planned to be taken to carry out this subsection.''.
    SEC. 621. REMOTE TOWERS.
    (a) In General.--Section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended--
        (1) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(h) Milestones for Design Approval of Remote Towers.--
        ``(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
    enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Federal 
    Aviation Administration shall create a program and publish 
    milestones to achieve system design and operational approval for a 
    remote tower system.
        ``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall--
            ``(A) rely on support from the Office of Airports of the 
        Federal Aviation Administration and the Air Traffic 
        Organization of the Federal Aviation Administration, including 
        the Air Traffic Services Service Unit and the Technical 
        Operations Service Unit;
            ``(B) consult with relevant stakeholders, as the 
        Administrator determines appropriate;
            ``(C) establish requirements for the system design and 
        operational approval of remote towers, including--
                ``(i) visual siting processes and requirements for 
            electro-optical sensors;
                ``(ii) datalink latency requirements;
                ``(iii) visual presentation design requirements for 
            monitors used to display sensor and camera feeds; and
                ``(iv) any other wireless telecommunications 
            infrastructure requirements to enable the operation of such 
            towers;
            ``(D) use a safety risk management panel process to address 
        any safety issues with respect to a remote tower;
            ``(E) if a remote tower is intended to be installed at a 
        non-towered airport, assess the safety benefits of the remote 
        tower against the lack of an existing tower;
            ``(F) allow the use of surface surveillance technology, 
        either standalone or integrated into the visual automation 
        platform, as a situational awareness tool;
            ``(G) establish protocols for contingency operations and 
        procedures in the event of remote tower technology failures and 
        malfunctions; and
            ``(H) support active testing of a remote tower system that 
        has achieved system design approval by the William J. Hughes 
        Technical Center at an airport that has installed remote tower 
        infrastructure to support such system.
        ``(3) System design approval and evaluation process.--Not later 
    than December 31, 2024, the Administrator shall expand the system 
    design approval and evaluation process for a digital or remote 
    tower system to not less than 3 airports at which a digital or 
    remote tower will be installed or operated at airports not located 
    at the William J. Hughes Technical Center and using the criteria 
    under section 161 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
    47104 note), to the extent the Administrator has willing technology 
    providers and airports interested in the installation and operation 
    of such towers.
        ``(4) Preservation of existing design approvals.--Nothing in 
    this subsection shall be construed to invalidate any system design 
    approval activity carried out by the William J. Hughes Technical 
    Center prior to the date of enactment of this subsection.
        ``(5) Prioritization for remote tower certification.--In 
    carrying out the program established under paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall prioritize system design and operational 
    approval for a remote tower system at--
            ``(A) airports that do not have a permanent air traffic 
        control tower at the time of application;
            ``(B) airports that would provide small and rural community 
        air service; or
            ``(C) airports that have been newly accepted as of the date 
        of enactment of this subsection into the Contract Tower 
        Program.''.
    (b) Briefing to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter through October 
1, 2028, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
Congress on--
        (1) the status of remote and digital tower projects in the 
    system design approval and commissioning process;
        (2) the effectiveness and adequacy of the pilot program 
    established under section 161 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
    2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note); and
        (3) any other issues related to the demand for and potential 
    use of remote tower technology that the Administrator determines 
    are appropriate.
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 47124(b) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (3)(B)(ii) by inserting ``or a remote air 
    traffic control tower equipment that has received System Design 
    Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration'' after ``an 
    operating air traffic control tower''; and
        (2) in paragraph (4)(A)--
            (A) in clause (i)(III) by inserting ``or remote air traffic 
        control tower equipment that has received System Design 
        Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration'' after 
        ``certified by the Federal Aviation Administration''; and
            (B) in clause (ii)(III) by inserting ``or remote air 
        traffic control tower equipment that has received System Design 
        Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration'' after 
        ``certified by the Federal Aviation Administration''.
    (d) Extension.--Section 161(a)(10) of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 note) is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' 
and inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    SEC. 622. AUDIT OF LEGACY SYSTEMS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate an audit of all 
legacy systems of the national airspace system to determine the level 
of operational risk, functionality, and security of such systems and 
the compatibility of such systems with current and future technology.
    (b) Scope of Audit.--The audit required under subsection (a)--
        (1) shall be conducted by an independent third-party contractor 
    or a federally funded research and development center selected by 
    the Administrator;
        (2) shall include an assessment of whether a legacy system is 
    an outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy system;
        (3) with respect to any legacy systems identified in the audit 
    as an outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy system, 
    shall include--
            (A) an analysis of the operational risks associated with 
        using such legacy systems;
            (B) recommendations for replacement or enhancement of such 
        legacy systems; and
            (C) an analysis of any potential impact on aviation safety 
        and efficiency; and
        (4) shall include recommended performance metrics by which the 
    Administrator can assess the circumstances in which safety-critical 
    communication, navigation, and surveillance aviation infrastructure 
    within the national airspace system can remain in operational 
    service, which take into account--
            (A) the expected lifespan of such aviation infrastructure;
            (B) the number and type of mechanical failures of such 
        aviation infrastructure;
            (C) the average annual costs of maintaining such aviation 
        infrastructure over a 5-year period and whether such costs 
        exceed the cost to replace such aviation infrastructure; and
            (D) the availability of replacement parts or labor capable 
        of maintaining such aviation infrastructure.
    (c) Deadline.--Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the audit required under subsection (a) shall be 
completed.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the audit required under 
subsection (a) is completed, the Administrator shall provide to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the findings and 
recommendations of such audit, including--
        (1) an inventory of the legacy systems in use;
        (2) an assessment of the operational condition of the legacy 
    systems in use, including the interoperability of such systems;
        (3) the average age of such legacy systems and, for each such 
    legacy system, the intended design life of the system, by type; and
        (4) the availability of replacement parts, equipment, or 
    technology to maintain such legacy systems.
    (e) Plan to Accelerate Drawdown, Replacement, or Enhancement of 
Identified Legacy Systems.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date on 
    which the Administrator provides the report under subsection (d), 
    the Administrator shall develop and implement a plan, in 
    consultation with industry representatives, to accelerate the 
    drawdown, replacement, or enhancement of any legacy systems that 
    are identified in the audit required under subsection (a) as 
    outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy systems.
        (2) Priorities.--In developing the plan under paragraph (1), 
    the Administrator shall prioritize the drawdown, replacement, or 
    enhancement of such legacy systems based on the operational risks 
    such legacy systems pose to aviation safety and the costs 
    associated with the replacement or enhancement of such legacy 
    systems.
        (3) Collaboration with external experts.--In carrying out this 
    subsection, the Administrator shall--
            (A) collaborate with industry representatives and other 
        external experts in information technology to develop the plan 
        under paragraph (1) within a reasonable timeframe;
            (B) identify technologies in existence or in development 
        that, with or without adaptation, are expected to be suitable 
        to meet the technical information technology needs of the FAA; 
        and
            (C) maintain consistency with the acquisition management 
        system established and updated pursuant to section 40110(d) of 
        title 49, United States Code.
        (4) Progress updates.--The Administrator shall provide the 
    appropriate committees of Congress with semiannual updates through 
    September 30, 2028 on the progress made in carrying out the plan 
    under paragraph (1).
        (5) Inspector general review.--
            (A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the 
        Administrator develops the plan required under paragraph (1), 
        the inspector general of the Department of Transportation shall 
        assess such efforts of the Administration to drawdown, replace, 
        or enhance any legacy systems identified under subsection (a).
            (B) Report.--The inspector general shall submit to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of 
        the review carried out under subparagraph (A).
    (f) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Industry.--The term ``industry'' means aviation industry 
    organizations with expertise in aviation-dedicated network systems, 
    systems engineering platforms, aviation software services, air 
    traffic management, flight operations, and International Civil 
    Aviation Organization standards.
        (2) Legacy system.--The term ``legacy system'' means any 
    communication, navigation, surveillance, or automation or network 
    applications or ground-based aviation infrastructure, or other 
    critical software and hardware systems owned by the FAA, that were 
    deployed prior to the year 2000, including the Notice to Air 
    Missions system.
        (3) Outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable legacy 
    system.--The term ``outdated, insufficient, unsafe, or unstable 
    legacy system'' means a legacy system for which the likelihood of 
    failure of such system creates a risk to air safety or security due 
    to the age, ability to be maintained in a cost-effective manner, 
    vulnerability to degradation, errors, or malicious attacks of such 
    system, or any other factors that may compromise the performance or 
    security of such system, including a legacy system--
            (A) that is vulnerable or susceptible to mechanical 
        failure; and
            (B) with a risk of a single point of failure or that lacks 
        sufficient contingencies in the event of such failure.
    SEC. 623. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY REALIGNMENT STUDY.
    (a) Examination.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into 
    an agreement with a federally funded research and development 
    center to conduct an Air Traffic Control Facility Realignment study 
    to examine consolidating or otherwise reorganizing air traffic 
    control facilities and the management of airspace controlled by 
    such facilities.
        (2) Contents.--In the study required under paragraph (1), the 
    federally funded research and development center shall--
            (A) evaluate the potential efficiencies that may result 
        from a reorganization;
            (B) identify whether certain areas prone to airspace 
        congestion or facility staff shortages would benefit from any 
        enhanced flexibilities or operational changes; and
            (C) recommend opportunities for integration of separate 
        facilities to create a more collaborative and efficient traffic 
        control environment.
        (3) Consultation.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
    federally funded research and development center shall consult with 
    the exclusive representatives of air traffic controllers certified 
    under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 15 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the federally funded research and development center shall 
submit to the Administrator a report detailing the findings of the 
study required under subsection (a) and recommendations related to 
consolidation or reorganization of air traffic control work facilities 
and locations.
    (c) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after 
receiving the report under subsection (b), the Administrator shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the 
study under subsection (a) and any recommendations under subsection (b) 
related to consolidation or reorganization of air traffic control work 
facilities and locations.
    SEC. 624. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER REPLACEMENT PROCESS REPORT.
    (a) Report Required.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a 
report on the process by which air traffic control tower facilities are 
chosen for replacement.
    (b) Contents.--The report required under subsection (a) shall 
contain--
        (1) the process by which air traffic control tower facilities 
    are chosen for replacement, including which divisions of the 
    Administration control or are involved in the replacement decision 
    making process;
        (2) the criteria the Administrator uses to determine which air 
    traffic control tower facilities to replace, including--
            (A) the relative importance of each such criteria;
            (B) why the Administrator uses each such criteria; and
            (C) the reasons for the relative importance of each such 
        criteria;
        (3) what types of investigation the Administrator carries out 
    to determine if an air traffic control tower facility should be 
    replaced;
        (4) a timeline of the replacement process for an individual air 
    traffic control tower facility replacement;
        (5) the list of facilities established under subsection (c), 
    including the reason for selecting each such facility; and
        (6) any other information the Administrator considers relevant.
    (c) List of Replaced Air Traffic Control Tower Facilities.--The 
Administrator shall establish, maintain, and publish on the website of 
the FAA a list of the following:
        (1) All air traffic control tower facilities replaced within 
    the 10-year period preceding the date of enactment of this Act.
        (2) Any air traffic control tower facilities for which the 
    Administrator has made a determination requiring replacement, but 
    for which such replacement has not yet been completed.
    SEC. 625. CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS.
    (a) Pilot Program for Transitioning to FAA Towers.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a pilot 
    program to convert high-activity air traffic control towers 
    operating under the Contract Tower Program as established under 
    section 47124 of title 49, United States Code, (in this section 
    referred to as the ``Contract Tower Program'') to a level I (Visual 
    Flight Rules) tower staffed by the FAA.
        (2) Priority.--In selecting air traffic control towers to 
    participate in the pilot program established under paragraph (1), 
    the Administrator shall prioritize air traffic control towers 
    operating under the Contract Tower Program that--
            (A) either--
                (i) had over 200,000 annual tower operations in 
            calendar year 2022; or
                (ii) served a small hub airport with more than 900,000 
            passenger enplanements in calendar year 2021;
            (B) are either currently owned by the FAA or are 
        constructed to FAA standards; and
            (C) operate within complex airspace, including airspace 
        that serves air carrier, general aviation, and military 
        aircraft.
        (3) Tower selection.--The number of air traffic control towers 
    selected to participate in the pilot program established under 
    paragraph (1) shall be determined based on the availability of 
    funds for the pilot program and the interest of the airport sponsor 
    related to such facility.
        (4) Controller retention.--With respect to any high-activity 
    air traffic control tower selected to be converted under the pilot 
    program established under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall 
    appoint to the position of air traffic controller any air traffic 
    controller who--
            (A) is employed at such air traffic control tower as of the 
        date on which the Administrator selects such tower to be 
        converted;
            (B) meets the qualifications contained in section 
        44506(f)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code; and
            (C) has all other pre-employment qualifications required by 
        law to be a certified controller of the FAA.
        (5) Safety analysis.--
            (A) In general.--The Administrator shall conduct a safety 
        analysis to determine whether the conversion of any air traffic 
        control tower described in paragraph (1) negatively impacts 
        aviation safety at such air traffic control tower and take such 
        actions needed to address any negative impact.
            (B) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
        enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the 
        results of the safety analysis under subparagraph (A), any 
        actions taken to address any negative impacts to safety, and 
        the overall results of the pilot program established under this 
        subsection.
        (6) Authorization of appropriations.--Out of amounts made 
    available under section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, 
    there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection 
    $30,000,000 to remain available for 5 fiscal years.
    (b) Air Traffic Controller Staffing Levels at Small and Medium Hub 
Airports.--Section 47124(b)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) by striking ``The Secretary may'' and inserting the 
    following:
            ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(B) Small or medium hub airports.--In the case of a 
        contract entered into on or after the date of enactment of this 
        subparagraph to operate an airport traffic control tower at a 
        small or medium hub airport, the contract shall require the 
        Secretary, after coordination with the airport sponsor and the 
        entity, State, or subdivision, and not later than 18 months 
        after the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
        2024, to provide funding sufficient for the cost of wages and 
        benefits of at least 2 air traffic controllers for each tower 
        operating shift.''.
    (c) Priorities for Facility Selection.--Section 47124(b)(3)(C) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following:
                ``(viii) Air traffic control towers at airports with 
            safety or operational problems related to the lack of an 
            existing tower.
                ``(ix) Air traffic control towers at airports with 
            projected commercial and military increases in aircraft or 
            flight operations.
                ``(x) Air traffic control towers at airports with a 
            variety of aircraft operations, including a variety of 
            commercial and military flight operations.''.
    SEC. 626. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON USE OF ADVANCED SURVEILLANCE IN 
      OCEANIC AIRSPACE.
    It is the sense of Congress the FAA shall continue to evaluate the 
potential uses for space-based automatic dependent surveillance 
broadcast to improve surveillance coverage of domestic airspace 
including improving surveillance coverage over remote terrain and in 
oceanic airspace. If determined appropriate by the Administrator, the 
FAA shall consider whether additional testing would meaningfully 
contribute to the FAA's processes for developing separation standards 
and more efficient routes.
    SEC. 627. LOW-ALTITUDE ROUTES FOR VERTICAL FLIGHT.
    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
national airspace system requires additional rotorcraft, powered-lift 
aircraft, and low-altitude instrument flight rules, routes leveraging 
advances in performance based navigation in order to provide direct, 
safe, and reliable routes that ensure sufficient separation from higher 
altitude fixed wing aircraft traffic.
    (b) Low-altitude Rotorcraft and Powered-lift Aircraft Instrument 
Flight Routes.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a 
    rulemaking process to establish or update, as appropriate, low 
    altitude routes and flight procedures to ensure safe rotorcraft and 
    powered-lift aircraft operations in the national airspace system.
        (2) Requirements.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
    Administrator shall--
            (A) incorporate instrument flight rules rotorcraft 
        operations into the low-altitude performance based navigation 
        procedure infrastructure;
            (B) prioritize the development of new helicopter area 
        navigation instrument flight rules routes as part of the United 
        States air traffic service route structure that utilize 
        performance based navigation, such as Global Positioning System 
        and Global Navigation Satellite System equipment; and
            (C) consider the impact of such low altitude flight routes 
        on other airspace users and impacted communities to ensure that 
        such routes are designed to minimize--
                (i) the potential for conflict with existing national 
            airspace system operations;
                (ii) the workload of air traffic controllers; and
                (iii) negative effects to impacted communities.
        (3) Consultation.--In carrying out the rulemaking process under 
    paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with--
            (A) stakeholders in the airport, heliport, rotorcraft 
        manufacturer and operator, general aviation operator, powered-
        lift operator, air carrier, and performance based navigation 
        technology manufacturer sectors;
            (B) the United States Helicopter Safety Team;
            (C) exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic 
        controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
        States Code; and
            (D) other stakeholders determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator.
    SEC. 628. REQUIRED CONSULTATION WITH NATIONAL PARKS OVERFLIGHTS 
      ADVISORY GROUP.
    Section 40128(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the end;
        (2) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at the end and 
    inserting ``; and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(E) consult with the advisory group established under 
        section 805 of the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 
        2000 (49 U.S.C. 40128 note) and consider all advice, 
        information, and recommendations provided by the advisory group 
        to the Administrator and the Director.''.
    SEC. 629. UPGRADING AND REPLACING AGING AIR TRAFFIC SYSTEMS.
    (a) Study.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into 
    an agreement with a qualified organization to conduct a study to 
    assess the need for upgrades to or replacement of existing 
    automated surface observation systems/automated weather observing 
    systems (in this section referred to as ``ASOS/AWOS'') located in 
    non-contiguous States.
        (2) Contents.--The study conducted under paragraph (1) shall 
    include an analysis of--
            (A) the age of each ASOS/AWOS located in non-contiguous 
        States;
            (B) the number of days in the calendar year preceding the 
        date on which the study is conducted that each such ASOS/AWOS 
        was not able to accurately communicate or disseminate data for 
        any period of time;
            (C) impacts of extreme severe weather on ASOS/AWOS outages;
            (D) the effective coverage of the existing ASOS/AWOS;
            (E) detailed upgrade requirements for each existing ASOS/
        AWOS, including an assessment of whether replacement would be 
        the most cost-effective recommendation;
            (F) prior maintenance expenditures for each existing ASOS/
        AWOS;
            (G) a description of all upgrades or replacements made by 
        the FAA to ASOS/AWOS prior to the date of enactment of this 
        Act;
            (H) impacts of an outage or break in service in the FAA 
        Telecommunications Infrastructure on such ASOS/AWOS; and
            (I) any other matter determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the findings of the study conducted 
under subsection (a), and include in such report--
        (1) a plan for executing upgrades to or replacements of 
    existing ASOS/AWOS located in non-contiguous States;
        (2) a plan for converting and upgrading such ASOS/AWOS 
    communications to the FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure;
        (3) an assessment of the use of unmonitored navigational aids 
    to allow for alternate airport planning for commercial and cargo 
    aviation to limit ASOS/AWOS service disruptions;
        (4) an evaluation of additional alternative methods of 
    compliance for obtaining weather elements that would be as 
    sufficient as current data received through ASOS/AWOS; and
        (5) any other recommendation determined appropriate by the 
    Administrator.
    (c) Funding.--To carry out the study under this section, the 
Administrator may use amounts made available pursuant to section 
48101(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code.
    SEC. 630. AIRSPACE INTEGRATION FOR SPACE LAUNCH AND REENTRY.
    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the Sense of Congress that--
        (1) a safe and efficient national airspace system that 
    successfully supports existing users and integrates new entrants is 
    of the utmost importance;
        (2) both commercial aviation and space launch and reentry 
    operations are vital to United States global leadership, national 
    security, and economic opportunity;
        (3) aircraft hazard areas are necessary during space launch and 
    reentry operations to ensure public safety; and
        (4) the Administrator should prioritize the development and 
    deployment of technologies to improve visibility of space launch 
    and reentry operations within FAA computer systems and minimize 
    operational workload to air traffic controllers associated with 
    routing traffic during spaceflight launch and reentry operations.
    (b) Space Launch and Reentry Airspace Integration Technology.--Out 
of amounts made available under section 48101 of title 49, United 
States Code, $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025 through 2028 
(or until such time as the Administrator determines that the project 
meeting the requirements of this section has reached an operational 
status) is available for the Administrator to carry out a project to 
expedite the development, acquisition, and deployment of technologies 
or capabilities to aid in space launch and reentry integration with the 
objective of operational readiness not later than December 31, 2026, 
which may include--
        (1) technologies recommended by the Airspace Access Priorities 
    aviation rulemaking committee in the final report titled ``ARC 
    Recommendations Final Report'', issued on August 21, 2019;
        (2) systems to enable the integration of launch and reentry 
    data directly onto air traffic controller displays; and
        (3) automated systems to enable near real-time planning and 
    dynamic rerouting of commercial aircraft during and following 
    commercial space launch and reentry operations.
    SEC. 631. UPDATE TO FAA ORDER ON AIRWAY PLANNING STANDARD.
    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to update 
,the order of the FAA titled ``Airway Planning Standard Number One-
Terminal Air Navigation Facilities and Air Traffic Control Services'' 
(FAA Order 7031.2c), to lower the remote radar bright display scope 
installation requirement from 30,000 annual itinerant operations to 
15,000 annual itinerant operations.

             TITLE VII--MODERNIZING AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
         Subtitle A--Airport Improvement Program Modifications

    SEC. 701. DEVELOPMENT OF AIRPORT PLANS.
    Section 47101(g) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1) in the second sentence, by inserting 
    ``(including long-term resilience from the impact of natural 
    hazards and severe weather events)'' after ``environmental''; and
        (2) in paragraph (2)--
            (A) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (B) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
            ``(E) consider the impact of hazardous weather events on 
        long-term operational resilience.''.
    SEC. 702. AIP DEFINITIONS.
    Section 47102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
        ``(1) `air carrier' has the meaning given such term in section 
    40102.'';
        (2) in paragraph (3)--
            (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                (i) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' at the end;
                (ii) in clause (ii) by striking the period at the end 
            and inserting ``; and''; and
                (iii) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(iii) a secondary runway at a nonhub airport that is 
            equivalent in size and type to the primary runway of such 
            airport.'';
            (B) in subparagraph (B)--
                (i) in clause (iii) by inserting ``and fuel 
            infrastructure for such equipment to remove snow'' after 
            ``surveillance equipment'';
                (ii) in clause (ix) by striking ``and'' at the end;
                (iii) in clause (x) by striking the period and 
            inserting ``; and''; and
                (iv) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(xi) a medium intensity approach lighting system with 
            runway alignment indicator lights.'';
            (C) in subparagraph (E) by striking ``after December 31, 
        1991,'';
            (D) in subparagraph (K) by striking ``if the airport is 
        located in an air quality nonattainment or maintenance area (as 
        defined in sections 171(2) and 175A of the Clean Air Act (42 
        U.S.C. 7501(2); 7505a)) and if the airport would be able to 
        receive emission credits, as described in section 47139'';
            (E) in subparagraph (L) by striking ``the airport is 
        located in an air quality nonattainment or maintenance area (as 
        defined in sections 171(2) and 175A of the Clean Air Act (42 
        U.S.C. 7501(2); 7505a)), if the airport would be able to 
        receive appropriate emission credits (as described in section 
        47139), and'';
            (F) in subparagraph (P)--
                (i) by striking ``improve the reliability and 
            efficiency of the airport's power supply'' and inserting 
            ``improve reliability and efficiency of the power supply of 
            the airport or meet current and future electrical power 
            demand'';
                (ii) by inserting ``, renewable energy generation and 
            storage infrastructure (including necessary substation 
            upgrades to support such infrastructure)'' after 
            ``electrical generators'';
                (iii) by striking ``supply, and'' and inserting 
            ``supply,''; and
                (iv) by striking the period at the end and inserting 
            ``, and smart glass (including electrochromic glass).''; 
            and
            (G) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(S) acquisition of advanced digital construction 
        management systems and related technology used in the planning, 
        design and engineering, construction, and maintenance of 
        airport facilities when such systems or technologies are 
        acquired to carry out a project approved by the Secretary under 
        this subchapter.
            ``(T) improvements, or planning for improvements (including 
        monitoring equipment or services), that would be necessary to 
        sustain commercial service flight operations or permit the 
        resumption of such flight operations following a natural 
        disaster (including an earthquake, flooding, high water, 
        wildfires, hurricane, storm surge, tidal wave, tornado, 
        tsunami, wind driven water, sea level rise, tropical storm, 
        cyclone, land instability, or winter storm) at--
                ``(i) a primary airport; or
                ``(ii) a nonprimary airport that is designated as a 
            Federal staging area or incident support base by the 
            Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
            ``(U) a project to comply with rulemakings and 
        recommendations on airport cybersecurity standards from the 
        aviation rulemaking committee convened under section 395 of the 
        FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
            ``(V) reconstructing or rehabilitating an existing 
        crosswind runway (regardless of the wind coverage of the 
        primary runway) if the reconstruction or rehabilitation of such 
        crosswind runway is in the most recently approved airport 
        layout plan of the sponsor.
            ``(W) constructing or acquiring such airport-owned 
        infrastructure or equipment, notwithstanding revenue producing 
        capability of such infrastructure or equipment, as may be 
        required for--
                ``(i) the on-airport distribution or storage of 
            unleaded aviation gasoline for piston-driven aircraft, 
            including on-airport construction or expansion of 
            pipelines, storage tanks, low-emission fuel systems, and 
            airport-owned fuel trucks providing exclusively unleaded 
            aviation fuels (unless the Secretary determines that an 
            alternative fuel may be safely used in such fuel truck for 
            a limited time); or
                ``(ii) fueling systems for type certificated hydrogen-
            powered aircraft.
            ``(X) constructing, reconstructing, or rehabilitating a 
        taxiway or taxilane that serves non-exclusive use aeronautical 
        facilities, including aircraft storage facilities, except for 
        the 50 feet of pavement immediately in front of an ineligible 
        building.
            ``(Y) any other activity (excluding terminal development) 
        that the Secretary concludes will reasonably improve the safety 
        of the airport.'';
        (3) in paragraph (5)--
            (A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``and catchment area 
        analyses'' after ``planning'';
            (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (C) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (D) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(D) assessing current and future electrical power demand 
        for airport airside and landside activities.'';
        (4) in paragraph (20)--
            (A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``or'' at the end;
            (B) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; or''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(D) the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated 
        States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau.'';
        (5) in paragraph (27) by striking ``the Trust Territory of the 
    Pacific Islands,''; and
        (6) in paragraph (28)(B) by striking ``described in section 
    47119(a)(1)(B)'' and inserting ``for moving passengers and baggage 
    between terminal facilities and between terminal facilities and 
    aircraft''.
    SEC. 703. REVENUE DIVERSION PENALTY ENHANCEMENT.
    (a) In General.--Section 47107 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) in subsection (m)(4) by striking ``an amount equal to'' and 
    inserting ``an amount equal to double''; and
        (2) in subsection (n)(1) by striking ``an amount equal to'' and 
    inserting ``an amount equal to double''.
    (b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall not 
apply to any illegal diversion of airport revenues (as described in 
section 47107(m) of title 49, United States Code) that occurred prior 
to the date of enactment of this Act.
    SEC. 704. EXTENSION OF COMPETITIVE ACCESS REPORT REQUIREMENT.
    Section 47107(r)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
    SEC. 705. RENEWAL OF CERTAIN LEASES.
    Section 47107(t)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``the date of enactment of 
    this subsection'' and inserting ``October 7, 2016''; and
        (2) by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting the following:
            ``(D) that--
                ``(i) supports the operation of military aircraft by 
            the Air Force or Air National Guard--

                    ``(I) at the airport; or
                    ``(II) remotely from the airport; or

                ``(ii) is for the use of nonaeronautical land or 
            facilities of the airport by the National Guard.''.
    SEC. 706. COMMUNITY USE OF AIRPORT LAND.
    Section 47107(v) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to 
read as follows:
    ``(v) Community Use of Airport Land.--
        ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsections (a)(13), (b), 
    and (c) and section 47133, and subject to paragraph (2), the 
    sponsor of a public-use airport shall not be considered to be in 
    violation of this subtitle, or to be found in violation of a grant 
    assurance made under this section, or under any other provision of 
    law, as a condition for the receipt of Federal financial assistance 
    for airport development, solely because the sponsor has--
            ``(A) entered into an agreement, including a revised 
        agreement, with a local government providing for the use of 
        airport property for an interim compatible recreational purpose 
        at below fair market value; or
            ``(B) permanently restricted the use of airport property to 
        compatible recreational and public park use without paying or 
        otherwise obtaining payment of fair market value for the 
        property.
        ``(2) Restrictions.--
            ``(A) Interim compatible recreational purpose.--Paragraph 
        (1) shall apply, with respect to a sponsor that has taken the 
        action described in subparagraph (A) of such paragraph, only--
                ``(i) to an agreement regarding airport property that 
            was initially entered into before the publication of the 
            Federal Aviation Administration's Policy and Procedures 
            Concerning the Use of Airport Revenue, dated February 16, 
            1999;
                ``(ii) if the agreement between the sponsor and the 
            local government is subordinate to any existing or future 
            agreements between the sponsor and the Secretary, including 
            agreements related to a grant assurance under this section;
                ``(iii) to airport property that was purchased using 
            funds from a Federal grant for acquiring land issued prior 
            to January 1, 1989;
                ``(iv) if the airport sponsor has provided a written 
            statement to the Administrator that the property made 
            available for a recreational purpose will not be needed for 
            any aeronautical purpose during the next 10 years;
                ``(v) if the agreement includes a term of not more than 
            2 years to prepare the airport property for the interim 
            compatible recreational purpose and not more than 10 years 
            of use for that purpose;
                ``(vi) if the recreational purpose will not impact the 
            aeronautical use of the airport;
                ``(vii) if the airport sponsor provides a certification 
            that the sponsor is not responsible for preparation, 
            startup, operations, maintenance, or any other costs 
            associated with the recreational purpose; and
                ``(viii) if the recreational purpose is consistent with 
            Federal land use compatibility criteria under section 
            47502.
            ``(B) Recreational use.--Paragraph (1) shall apply, with 
        respect to a sponsor that has taken the action described in 
        subparagraph (B) of such paragraph, only--
                ``(i) to airport property that was purchased using 
            funds from a Federal grant for acquiring land issued prior 
            to January 1, 1989;
                ``(ii) to airport property that has been continuously 
            leased or licensed through a written agreement with a 
            governmental entity or non-profit entity for recreational 
            or public park uses since July 1, 2003;
                ``(iii) if the airport sponsor has provided a written 
            statement to the Administrator that the recreational or 
            public park use does not impact the aeronautical use of the 
            airport and that the property to be permanently restricted 
            for recreational or public park use is not needed for any 
            aeronautical use at the time the written statement is 
            provided and is not expected to be needed for any 
            aeronautical use at any time after such statement is 
            provided;
                ``(iv) if the airport sponsor provides a certification 
            to the Administrator that the sponsor is not responsible 
            for operations, maintenance, or any other costs associated 
            with the recreational or public park use;
                ``(v) if the recreational purpose is consistent with 
            Federal land use compatibility criteria under section 
            47502; and
                ``(vi) if the airport sponsor will--

                    ``(I) lease the property to a local government 
                entity or non-profit entity to operate and maintain the 
                property at no cost to the airport sponsor; or
                    ``(II) transfer title to the property to a local 
                government entity subject to a permanent deed 
                restriction ensuring compatible airport use under 
                regulations issued pursuant to section 47502.

        ``(3) Revenue from certain sales of airport property.--
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an airport sponsor 
    leasing or selling a portion of airport property as described in 
    paragraph (2)(B)(vi) may--
            ``(A) lease or sell such portion of airport property for 
        less than fair market value; and
            ``(B) subject to the requirements of subsection (b), retain 
        the revenue from the lease or sale of such portion of airport 
        property for use in accordance with section 47133.
        ``(4) Secretary review and approval.--Notwithstanding any other 
    provision of law, and subject to the sponsor providing a written 
    statement certifying such sponsor meets the requirements under this 
    subsection, no actions permitted under this subsection shall 
    require the review or approval of the Secretary of Transportation.
        ``(5) Statutory construction.--Nothing in this subsection may 
    be construed as permitting a diversion of airport revenue for the 
    capital or operating costs associated with the community use of 
    airport land.
        ``(6) Aeronautical use; aeronautical purpose defined.--In this 
    subsection, the terms `aeronautical use' and `aeronautical 
    purpose'--
            ``(A) mean all activities that involve or are directly 
        related to the operation of aircraft, including activities that 
        make the operation of aircraft possible and safe;
            ``(B) include services located at an airport that are 
        directly and substantially related to the movement of 
        passengers, baggage, mail, and cargo; and
            ``(C) do not include any uses of an airport that are not 
        described in subparagraph (A) or (B), including any aviation-
        related uses that do not need to be located at an airport, such 
        as flight kitchens and airline reservation centers.''.
    SEC. 707. PRICE ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS.
    Section 47108 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``47114(d)(3)(A) of this 
    title'' and inserting ``47114(d)(2)(A)'';
        (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Increasing Government Share.--
        ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2) or (3), 
    the amount stated in an offer as the maximum amount the Government 
    will pay may not be increased when the offer has been accepted in 
    writing.
        ``(2) Exception.--For a project receiving assistance under a 
    grant approved under this chapter or chapter 475, the amount may be 
    increased--
            ``(A) for an airport development project, by not more than 
        15 percent; and
            ``(B) to acquire an interest in land for an airport (except 
        a primary airport), based on creditable appraisals at the time 
        of the acquisition or a court award in a condemnation 
        proceeding, by not more than the greater of--
                ``(i) 15 percent; or
                ``(ii) 25 percent of the total increase in allowable 
            project costs attributable to acquiring an interest in 
            land.
        ``(3) Price adjustment provisions.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may incorporate a 
        provision in a project grant agreement under which the 
        Secretary agrees to pay more than the maximum amount otherwise 
        specified in the agreement if the Secretary finds that 
        commodity or labor prices have increased since the agreement 
        was made.
            ``(B) Decrease in costs.--A provision incorporated in a 
        project grant agreement under this paragraph shall ensure that 
        the Secretary realizes any financial benefit associated with a 
        decrease in material or labor costs for the project.'';
        (3) by striking subsection (c); and
        (4) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) 
    and (d), respectively.
    SEC. 708. UPDATING UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT'S SHARE OF PROJECT 
      COSTS.
    Section 47109 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(h) Special Rule for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.--Notwithstanding 
subsection (a), the Government's share of allowable project costs for a 
grant made to a nonhub or nonprimary airport in each of fiscal years 
2025 and 2026 shall be 95 percent.''.
    SEC. 709. ALLOWABLE PROJECT COSTS AND LETTERS OF INTENT.
    Section 47110 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (c)--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking 
        ``after May 13, 1946, and''; and
            (B) in paragraph (1)--
                (i) by inserting ``or preparing for'' after 
            ``formulating''; and
                (ii) by inserting ``utility relocation, work site 
            preparation,'' before ``and administration'';
        (2) in subsection (d)(1) by striking ``section 47114(c)(1) or 
    47114(d)'' and inserting ``section 47114 or distributed from the 
    small airport fund under section 47116'';
        (3) in subsection (e)(2)(C) by striking ``commercial service 
    airport having at least 0.25 percent of the boardings each year at 
    all such airports'' and inserting ``medium hub airport or large hub 
    airport'';
        (4) in subsection (h) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(A)'' 
    and inserting ``section 47114(c)(1)(D) or section 47114(d)(2)(A)''; 
    and
        (5) by striking subsection (i).
    SEC. 710. SMALL AIRPORT LETTERS OF INTENT.
    (a) In General.--Section 47110 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Small Airport Letters of Intent.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may issue a letter of intent 
    to a sponsor stating an intention to obligate an amount from future 
    budget authority for an airport development project (including 
    costs of formulating the project) at a nonhub airport or an airport 
    that is not a primary airport.
        ``(2) Contents.--In the letter issued under paragraph (1), the 
    Secretary shall establish a schedule under which the Secretary will 
    reimburse the sponsor for the Government's share of allowable 
    project costs, as amounts become available, if the sponsor, after 
    the Secretary issues the letter, carries out the project without 
    receiving amounts under this subchapter.
        ``(3) Limitations.--The amount the Secretary intends to 
    obligate in a letter of intent issued under this subsection shall 
    not exceed the larger of--
            ``(A) the Government's share of allowable project costs; or
            ``(B) $10,000,000.
        ``(4) Financing.--Allowable project costs under paragraphs (1) 
    and (2) may include costs associated with making payments for debt 
    service on indebtedness incurred to carry out the project.
        ``(5) Requirements.--The Secretary shall issue a letter of 
    intent under paragraph (1) only if--
            ``(A) the sponsor notifies the Secretary, before the 
        project begins, of the intent of the sponsor to carry out the 
        project and requests a letter of intent; and
            ``(B) the sponsor agrees to comply with all statutory and 
        administrative requirements that would apply to the project if 
        it were carried out with amounts made available under this 
        subchapter.
        ``(6) Assessment.--In reviewing a request for a letter of 
    intent under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider the 
    grant history of an airport, the enplanements or operations of an 
    airport, and such other factors as the Secretary determines 
    appropriate.
        ``(7) Prioritization.--In issuing letters of intent under this 
    subsection, the Secretary shall--
            ``(A) prioritize projects that--
                ``(i) cannot reasonably be funded by an airport sponsor 
            using funds apportioned under section 47114(c), 
            47114(d)(2)(A), or 47114(d)(6), including funds apportioned 
            under such sections in multiple fiscal years pursuant to 
            section 47117(b)(1); and
                ``(ii) are necessary to the continued safe operation or 
            development of an airport; and
            ``(B) structure the reimbursement schedules under such 
        letters in a manner that minimizes unnecessary or undesirable 
        project segmentation.
        ``(8) No obligation or commitment.--
            ``(A) In general.--A letter of intent issued under this 
        subsection is not an obligation of the Government under section 
        1501 of title 31, and the letter is not deemed to be an 
        administrative commitment for financing.
            ``(B) Obligation or commitment.--An obligation or 
        administrative commitment may be made only as amounts are 
        provided in authorization and appropriation Acts.
        ``(9) Limitation on statutory construction.--Nothing in this 
    section shall be construed to prohibit the obligation of amounts 
    pursuant to a letter of intent under this subsection in the same 
    fiscal year as the letter of intent is issued.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
        (1) Letters of intent.--Section 47110(e)(7) of title 49, United 
    States Code, is amended by striking ``under this section'' and 
    inserting ``under this subsection''.
        (2) Priority for letters of intent.--Section 47115(h) of title 
    49, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``prior to 
    fulfilling intentions to obligate under section 47110(i)'' after 
    ``section 47110(e)''.
    SEC. 711. PROHIBITION ON PROVISION OF AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT GRANT 
      FUNDS TO CERTAIN ENTITIES THAT HAVE VIOLATED INTELLECTUAL 
      PROPERTY RIGHTS OF UNITED STATES ENTITIES.
    (a) In General.--Beginning on the date that is 30 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, amounts provided as project grants under 
subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code, may not be 
used to enter into a covered contract with any entity on the list 
required under subsection (b).
    (b) List Required.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, and thereafter as required under paragraph 
    (2), the United States Trade Representative, the Attorney General, 
    and the Administrator shall make available to the Administrator a 
    publicly-available list of entities manufacturing airport passenger 
    boarding infrastructure or equipment that--
            (A) are owned, directed by, or subsidized in whole or in 
        part by the People's Republic of China;
            (B) have been determined by a Federal court to have 
        misappropriated intellectual property or trade secrets from an 
        entity organized under the laws of the United States or any 
        jurisdiction within the United States;
            (C) own or control, are owned or controlled by, are under 
        common ownership or control with, or are successors to an 
        entity described in subparagraph (A); or
            (D) have entered into an agreement with or accepted funding 
        from, whether in the form of minority investment interest or 
        debt, have entered into a partnership with, or have entered 
        into another contractual or other written arrangement with an 
        entity described in subparagraph (A).
        (2) Updates to list.--The United States Trade Representative 
    shall update the list required under paragraph (1), based on 
    information provided by the Attorney General and the 
    Administrator--
            (A) not less frequently than every 90 days during the 180-
        day period following the initial publication of the list under 
        paragraph (1); and
            (B) not less frequently than annually thereafter.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) In general.--The definitions in section 47102 of title 49, 
    United States Code, shall apply.
        (2) Covered contract.--The term ``covered contract'' means a 
    contract or other agreement for the procurement of infrastructure 
    or equipment for a passenger boarding bridge at an airport.
    SEC. 712. APPORTIONMENTS.
    (a) Primary, Commercial Service, and Cargo Airports.--
        (1) Primary and commercial service airports.--Section 
    47114(c)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as 
    follows:
        ``(1) Primary and commercial service airports.--
            ``(A) Primary airport apportionment.--The Secretary shall 
        apportion to the sponsor of each primary airport for each 
        fiscal year an amount equal to--
                ``(i) $15.60 for each of the first 50,000 passenger 
            boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year;
                ``(ii) $10.40 for each of the next 50,000 passenger 
            boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year;
                ``(iii) $5.20 for each of the next 400,000 passenger 
            boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year;
                ``(iv) $1.30 for each of the next 500,000 passenger 
            boardings at the airport during the prior calendar year; 
            and
                ``(v) $1.00 for each additional passenger boarding at 
            the airport during the prior calendar year.
            ``(B) Minimum and maximum apportionments.--Not less than 
        $1,300,000 nor more than $22,000,000 may be apportioned under 
        subparagraph (A) to an airport sponsor for a primary airport 
        for each fiscal year.
            ``(C) New airport.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the 
        Secretary shall apportion in the first fiscal year following 
        the official opening of a new airport with scheduled passenger 
        air transportation an amount equal to $1,300,000 to the sponsor 
        of such airport.
            ``(D) Nonprimary commercial service airport 
        apportionment.--
                ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall apportion to 
            each commercial service airport that is not a primary 
            airport an amount equal to--

                    ``(I) $60 for each of the first 2,500 passenger 
                boardings at the airport during the prior calendar 
                year; and
                    ``(II) $153.33 for each of the next 7,499 passenger 
                boardings at the airport during the prior calendar 
                year.

                ``(ii) Applicability.--Paragraphs (4) and (5) of 
            subsection (d) shall apply to funds apportioned under this 
            subparagraph.
            ``(E) Public airports with military use.--Notwithstanding 
        any other provision of law, a public airport shall be 
        considered a primary airport in each of fiscal years 2025 
        through 2028 for purposes of this chapter if such airport was--
                ``(i) designated as a primary airport in fiscal year 
            2017; and
                ``(ii) in use by an air reserve station in the calendar 
            year used to calculate apportionments to airport sponsors 
            in a fiscal year.
            ``(F) Special rule for fiscal year 2024.--Notwithstanding 
        any other provision of this paragraph or the absence of 
        scheduled passenger service at an airport, the Secretary shall 
        apportion in fiscal year 2024 to the sponsor of an airport an 
        amount based on the number of passenger boardings at the 
        airport during whichever of the following years that would 
        result in the highest apportioned amount under this paragraph:
                ``(i) Calendar year 2018.
                ``(ii) Calendar year 2019.
                ``(iii) The prior full calendar year prior to fiscal 
            year 2024.''.
        (2) Cargo airports.--Section 47114(c)(2) of title 49, United 
    States Code, is amended--
            (A) in subparagraph (A)--
                (i) by striking ``3.5'' and inserting ``4''; and
                (ii) by striking ``100,000,000 pounds'' and inserting 
            ``25,000,000 pounds'';
            (B) by striking subparagraph (C); and
            (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as 
        subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively.
    (b) General Aviation Airports.--Section 47114(d) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (3)--
            (A) in the heading by striking ``Special rule'' and 
        inserting ``Apportionment'';
            (B) by striking ``excluding primary airports but including 
        reliever and nonprimary commercial service airports'' each 
        place it appears and inserting ``excluding commercial service 
        airports but including reliever airports'';
            (C) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
        ``20 percent'' and inserting ``25 percent''; and
            (D) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D) and inserting the 
        following:
            ``(C) An airport that has previously been listed as 
        unclassified under the national plan of integrated airport 
        systems that has reestablished the classified status of such 
        airport as of the date of apportionment shall be eligible to 
        accrue apportionment funds pursuant to subparagraph (A) so long 
        as such airport retains such classified status.'';
        (2) in paragraph (4)--
            (A) in the heading by striking ``Airports in alaska, puerto 
        rico, and hawaii'' and inserting ``Airports in Noncontiguous 
        States and Territories'';
            (B) by striking ``An amount apportioned under paragraph (2) 
        or (3)'' and inserting the following:
            ``(A) Alaska, puerto rico, and hawaii.--An amount 
        apportioned under this subsection''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(B) Other territories.--An amount apportioned under 
        paragraph (2)(B)(i) may be made available by the Secretary for 
        any public-use airport in Guam, American Samoa, the Northern 
        Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands if the Secretary 
        determines that there are insufficient qualified grant 
        applications for projects at airports that are otherwise 
        eligible for funding under that paragraph. The Secretary shall 
        prioritize the use of such amounts in the territory the amount 
        was originally apportioned in.'';
        (3) in paragraph (5) by inserting ``or subsection (c)(1)(D)'' 
    after ``under this subsection'';
        (4) in paragraph (6)--
            (A) by striking ``provision of this subsection'' and 
        inserting ``provision of this section''; and
            (B) by inserting ``or subsection (c)(1)(D)'' after ``under 
        this subsection'';
        (5) by striking paragraph (2); and
        (6) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as paragraphs 
    (2) through (6), respectively.
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--
        (1) Project grant application approval.--Section 47106(a)(7) of 
    title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``section 
    47114(d)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(B)''.
        (2) Air traffic control contract program.--Section 47124(b)(4) 
    of title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
            (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
                (i) in subclause (I) by striking ``sections 47114(c)(2) 
            and 47114(d)'' and inserting ``subsections (c) and (d) of 
            section 47114'';
                (ii) in subclause (II) by striking ``sections 
            47114(c)(2) and 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``sections 
            47114(c) and 47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
                (iii) in subclause (III) by striking ``sections 
            47114(c)(2) and 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``sections 
            47114(c) and 47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
            (B) in subparagraph (B)(v) by striking ``section 
        47114(d)(2) or 47114(d)(3)(B)'' and inserting ``section 
        47114(d)(2)(B)''.
    SEC. 713. PFC TURNBACK REDUCTION.
    (a) In General.--Section 47114(f) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1)--
            (A) by striking ``sponsor of an airport having at least .25 
        percent of the total number of boardings each year in the 
        United States and'' and inserting ``sponsor of a medium or 
        large hub airport'';
            (B) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``50 percent'' and 
        inserting ``40 percent'' each place it appears; and
            (C) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``75 percent'' and 
        inserting ``60 percent'' each place it appears; and
        (2) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the 
    following:
        ``(2) Effective date of reduction.--
            ``(A) New charge collection.--A reduction in an 
        apportionment under paragraph (1) shall not take effect until 
        the first fiscal year following the year in which the 
        collection of the charge imposed under section 40117 has begun.
            ``(B) New categorization.--A reduction in an apportionment 
        under paragraph (1) shall only be applied to an airport if such 
        airport has been designated as a medium or large hub airport 
        for 3 consecutive years.''.
    (b) Applicability.--For an airport that increased in categorization 
from a small hub to a medium hub in any fiscal year beginning after the 
date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 
115-254) and prior to the date of enactment of this Act, the amendment 
to section 47114(f)(2) of title 49, United States Code, under 
subsection (a) shall be applied as though the airport increased in 
categorization from a small hub to a medium hub in the calendar year 
prior to the first fiscal year in which such amendment is applicable.
    SEC. 714. AIRPORT SAFETY AND RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE DISCRETIONARY 
      PROGRAM.
    (a) In General.--Section 47115(j) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
        (1) in the heading by striking ``Supplemental Discretionary 
    Funds'' and inserting ``Airport Safety and Resilient Infrastructure 
    Discretionary Program'';
        (2) in paragraph (3) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting 
    the following:
            ``(B) Minimum allocation.--Not less than 50 percent of the 
        amounts available under this subsection shall be used to 
        provide grants at nonprimary, nonhub, and small hub airports.
            ``(C) Prioritization.--In making grants for projects 
        eligible under subparagraph (D)(iii), the Secretary shall 
        prioritize grants to large and medium hub airports.
            ``(D) Eligibilities.--In making grants under this 
        subsection, the Secretary shall provide grants to airports for 
        projects that--
                ``(i) meet the definition of `airport development' 
            under section 47102(3)(T);
                ``(ii) would otherwise increase the resilience of 
            airport infrastructure against changing flooding or 
            inundation patterns; or
                ``(iii) reduce runway incursions or increase runway or 
            taxiway safety.'';
        (3) in paragraph (4)(A) by striking clauses (i) through (vi) 
    and inserting the following:
                ``(i) $532,392,074 for fiscal year 2024.
                ``(ii) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
                ``(iii) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
                ``(iv) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
                ``(v) $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''; and
        (4) in paragraph (4)(B) by striking ``2 fiscal years'' and 
    inserting ``3 fiscal years''.
    (b) Briefing.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the Secretary 
    first awards a grant for fiscal year 2025 under section 47115(j) of 
    title 49, United States Code, and annually thereafter through 2028, 
    the Secretary shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on 
    the grant program established under such section.
        (2) Contents.--In briefing the appropriate committees of 
    Congress under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall include--
            (A) a description of each project funded under the grant 
        program established under section 47115(j), including the 
        vulnerabilities such program addresses;
            (B) a description of projects completed that received 
        funding under such program, including the total time between 
        award and project completion;
            (C) a description of the consultation with other agencies 
        that the Secretary has undertaken in carrying out such program;
            (D) recommendations to improve the administration of such 
        program, including additional consultation with other agencies 
        and whether additional appropriation levels are appropriate; 
        and
            (E) other items determined appropriate by the Secretary.
    SEC. 715. SPECIAL CARRYOVER ASSUMPTION RULE.
    Section 47115 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(l) Special Carryover Assumption Rule.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of law, in addition to amounts made available under 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), the Secretary may add to the 
discretionary fund an amount equal to one-third of the apportionment 
funds made available under section 47114 that were not required during 
the previous fiscal year pursuant to section 47117(b)(1) out of the 
anticipated amount of apportionment funds made available under section 
47114 that will not be required during the current fiscal year pursuant 
to section 47117(b)(1).''.
    SEC. 716. SMALL AIRPORT FUND.
    Section 47116 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (b) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and 
    inserting the following:
        ``(1) Not more than 25 percent for grants for projects at small 
    hub airports.
        ``(2) Not less than 25 percent for grants to sponsors of 
    public-use airports (except commercial service airports).
        ``(3) Not less than 50 percent for grants to sponsors of 
    commercial service airports that are not larger than a nonhub 
    airport.'';
        (2) in subsection (d)--
            (A) by striking paragraph (2); and
            (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and
        (3) by striking subsections (e) and (f) and inserting the 
    following:
    ``(e) General Aviation Transient Aprons.--In distributing amounts 
from the fund described in subsection (a) to sponsors described in 
subsection (b)(2) and (b)(3), 5 percent of each amount shall be used 
for projects to construct or rehabilitate aprons intended to be used 
for itinerant general aviation aircraft parking.''.
    SEC. 717. REVISION OF DISCRETIONARY CATEGORIES.
    Section 47117 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (b)(2)--
            (A) in subparagraph (A)(i) by striking ``or (3)(A), 
        whichever is applicable''; and
            (B) in subparagraph (B)--
                (i) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and 
            inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
                (ii) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(B)'' and 
            inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(B)'';
        (2) in subsection (c)(2) by striking ``47114(d)(3)(A)'' and 
    inserting ``47114(d)(2)(A)'';
        (3) in subsection (d)--
            (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``section 47114(d)(2)(A) 
        of this title'' and inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(B)(i)''; 
        and
            (B) in paragraph (2)--
                (i) by striking ``section 47114(d)(2)(B) or (C)'' and 
            inserting ``section 47114(d)(2)(B)(ii) or (iii)'' in each 
            place it appears; and
                (ii) by striking ``of this title''; and
        (4) in subsection (e)--
            (A) in paragraph (1)--
                (i) in subparagraph (A)--

                    (I) by striking ``$300,000,000'' and inserting 
                ``$200,000,000'';
                    (II) by striking ``for compatible land use planning 
                and projects carried out by State and local governments 
                under section 47141,'';
                    (III) by striking ``section 47102(3)(Q)'' and 
                inserting ``subparagraphs (O), (P), (Q), and (W) of 
                section 47102(3)'';
                    (IV) by striking ``to comply with the Clean Air Act 
                (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.)''; and
                    (V) by inserting ``The Secretary shall provide not 
                less than two-thirds of amounts under this subparagraph 
                and paragraph (3) for grants to sponsors of small hub, 
                medium hub, and large hub airports.'' after ``being met 
                in that fiscal year.''; and

                (ii) by striking subparagraph (C); and
            (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
        ``(3) Special rule.--Beginning in fiscal year 2026, if the 
    amount made available under paragraph (1)(A) was not equal to or 
    greater than $150,000,000 in the preceding fiscal year, the 
    Secretary shall issue grants for projects eligible under paragraph 
    (1)(A) from apportionment funds made available under section 47114 
    that are not required during the fiscal year pursuant to subsection 
    (b)(1) in an amount that is not less than--
            ``(A) $150,000,000; minus
            ``(B) the amount made available under paragraph (1)(A) in 
        the preceding fiscal year.''.
    SEC. 718. DISCRETIONARY FUND FOR TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT COSTS.
    (a) Terminal Projects at Transitioning Airports.--Section 47119(c) 
of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (4) by striking ``or'' after the semicolon;
        (2) in paragraph (5)--
            (A) by striking ``section 47114(d)(3)(A)'' and inserting 
        ``sections 47114(c) and 47114(d)(2)(A)''; and
            (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
        or''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(6) not more than $20,000,000 of the amount that may be 
    distributed for the fiscal year from the discretionary fund 
    established under section 47115, to the sponsor of a nonprimary 
    airport to pay costs allowable under subsection (a) for terminal 
    development projects, if the Secretary determines (which may be 
    based on actual and projected enplanement trends, as well as 
    completion of an air service development study, demonstrated 
    commitment by airlines to provide commercial service accommodating 
    at least 10,000 annual enplanements, the documented commitment of a 
    sponsor to providing the remaining funding to complete the proposed 
    project, and a favorable environmental finding (including all 
    required permits) in support of the proposed project) that the 
    status of the nonprimary airport is reasonably expected to change 
    to primary status based on enplanements for the third calendar year 
    after the issuance of the discretionary grant.''.
    (b) Limitation.--Section 47119(f) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``$20,000,000'' and inserting ``$30,000,000''.
    SEC. 719. PROTECTING GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS FROM CLOSURE.
    (a) Non-surplus Property.--Section 47125 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(c) Waiving Restrictions.--
        ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may 
    grant to an airport, city, or county a waiver of any of the terms, 
    conditions, reservations, or restrictions contained in a deed under 
    which the United States conveyed to the airport, city, or county an 
    interest in real property for airport purposes pursuant to section 
    16 of the Federal Airport Act (60 Stat. 179), section 23 of the 
    Airport and Airway Development Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 232), or this 
    section.
        ``(2) Conditions.--Any waiver granted by the Secretary pursuant 
    to paragraph (1) shall be subject to the following conditions:
            ``(A) The applicable airport, city, county, or other 
        political subdivision shall agree that in conveying any 
        interest in the real property which the United States conveyed 
        to the airport, city, or county, the airport, city, or county 
        will receive consideration for such interest that is equal to 
        its current fair market value.
            ``(B) Any consideration received by the airport, city, or 
        county under subparagraph (A) shall be used exclusively for the 
        development, improvement, operation, or maintenance of a public 
        airport by the airport, city, or county.
            ``(C) Such waiver--
                ``(i) will not significantly impair the aeronautical 
            purpose of an airport;
                ``(ii) will not result in the permanent closure of an 
            airport (unless the Secretary determines that the waiver 
            will directly facilitate the construction of a replacement 
            airport); or
                ``(iii) is necessary to protect or advance the civil 
            aviation interests of the United States.
            ``(D) Any other conditions required by the Secretary.
        ``(3) Annual reporting.--The Secretary shall include a list and 
    description of each waiver granted pursuant to paragraph (1) in the 
    plan required under section 47103.''.
    (b) Surplus Property.--
        (1) In general.--Section 47151 of title 49, United States Code, 
    is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
    ``(d) Waiver of Condition.--The Secretary may not waive any 
condition imposed on an interest in surplus property conveyed under 
subsection (a) that such interest be used for an aeronautical purpose 
unless the Secretary provides public notice not less than 30 days 
before the issuance of such waiver and determines that such waiver--
        ``(1) will not significantly impair the aeronautical purpose of 
    an airport;
        ``(2) will not result in the permanent closure of an airport 
    (unless the Secretary determines that the waiver will directly 
    facilitate the construction of a replacement airport); or
        ``(3) is necessary to protect or advance the civil aviation 
    interests of the United States.''.
        (2) Waiving and adding terms.--Section 47153 of title 49, 
    United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (c) and 
    inserting the following:
    ``(c) Restrictions on Waiver.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and 
(b), the Secretary may not waive any term under this section that an 
interest in land be used for an aeronautical purpose unless--
        ``(1) the Secretary provides public notice not less than 30 
    days before the issuance of a waiver; and
        ``(2) the Secretary determines that such waiver--
            ``(A) will not significantly impair the aeronautical 
        purpose of an airport;
            ``(B) will not result in the permanent closure of an 
        airport (unless the Secretary determines that the waiver will 
        directly facilitate the construction of a replacement airport); 
        or
            ``(C) is necessary to protect or advance the civil aviation 
        interests of the United States.''.
    (c) Repeals.--
        (1) Airports near closed or realigned bases.--Section 1203 of 
    the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 (49 U.S.C. 47101 
    note), and the item relating to such section in the table of 
    contents under section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
        (2) Release from restrictions.--Section 817 of the FAA 
    Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 47125 note), and 
    the item relating to such section in the table of contents under 
    section 1(b) of such Act, are repealed.
    SEC. 720. STATE BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
    (a) Training.--Section 47128 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Training for Participating States.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide to each State 
    participating in the block grant program under this section 
    training or updated training materials for the administrative 
    responsibilities assumed by the State under such program at no cost 
    to the State.
        ``(2) Timing.--The training or updated training materials 
    provided under paragraph (1) shall be provided at least once during 
    each 2-year period and at any time there is a material change in 
    the program.''.
    (b) Administration.--Section 47128 of title 49, United States Code, 
is further amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Roles and Responsibilities of Participating States.--
        ``(1) Airports.--Unless a State participating in the block 
    grant program under this section expressly agrees in a memorandum 
    of agreement, the Secretary shall not require the State to manage 
    functions and responsibilities for airport actions or projects that 
    do not relate to such program.
        ``(2) Program documentation.--
            ``(A) In general.--Any grant agreement providing funds to 
        be administered under such program shall be consistent with the 
        most recently executed memorandum of agreement between the 
        State and the Federal Aviation Administration.
            ``(B) Parity.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
        Administration shall provide parity to participating States and 
        shall only require the same type of information and level of 
        detail for any program agreements and documentation that the 
        Administrator would perform with respect to such action if the 
        State did not participate in the program.
        ``(3) Responsibilities.--Unless the State expressly agrees to 
    retain responsibility, the Administrator shall retain 
    responsibility for the following:
            ``(A) Grant compliance investigations, determinations, and 
        enforcement.
            ``(B) Obstruction evaluation and airport airspace analysis, 
        determinations, and enforcement off airport property.
            ``(C) Non-rulemaking analysis, determinations, and 
        enforcement for proposed improvements on airport properties not 
        associated with this subchapter, or off airport property.
            ``(D) Land use determinations, compatibility planning, and 
        airport layout plan review and approval (consistent with 
        section 47107(x)) for projects not funded by amounts available 
        under this subchapter.
            ``(E) Nonaeronautical and special event recommendations and 
        approvals.
            ``(F) Instrument approach procedure evaluations and 
        determinations.
            ``(G) Environmental review for projects not funded by 
        amounts available under this subchapter.
            ``(H) Review and approval of land leases, land releases, 
        changes in on-airport land-use designation, and through-the-
        fence agreements.''.
    (c) IIJA State Block Grant Program Administrative Funding.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall distribute 
    administrative funding to assist States participating in the State 
    block grant program under section 47128 of title 49, United States 
    Code, with program implementation of airport infrastructure 
    projects under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public 
    Law 117-58).
        (2) Funding source.--In distributing administrative funds to 
    States under this subsection, the Secretary shall distribute such 
    funds from the funds made available in the Infrastructure 
    Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) for personnel, 
    contracting, and other costs to administer and oversee grants of 
    the Airport Infrastructure Grants, Contract Tower Competitive Grant 
    Program, and Airport Terminal Program.
        (3) Administrative funds.--With respect to administrative funds 
    made available for fiscal years 2022 through 2026--
            (A) the amount of administrative funds available for 
        distribution under paragraph (2) shall be an amount equal to a 
        percentage determined by the Secretary, but not less than 2 
        percent, of the annual allocations provided under the heading 
        ``AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS'' under the heading ``FEDERAL 
        AVIATION ADMINISTRATION'' in title VIII of division J of the 
        Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) to 
        non-primary airports participating in the State's block grant 
        program each fiscal year of the Airport Infrastructure Grant 
        program;
            (B) administrative funds distributed under paragraph (2) 
        shall be used by such States to--
                (i) administer and oversee, as outlined in a memorandum 
            of agreement or other agreement between the FAA and the 
            State, all airport grant program funds provided under the 
            Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) 
            to non-primary airports participating in the State's block 
            grant program, whether through direct allocation or through 
            competitive selection; and
                (ii) carry out the public purposes of supporting 
            eligible and justified airport development and 
            infrastructure projects as provided in the Infrastructure 
            Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58); and
            (C) except as provided in paragraph (4), such 
        administrative funds shall be distributed to such States 
        through a cooperative agreement executed between the State and 
        the FAA not later than December 1 of each fiscal year in which 
        the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) 
        provides airport grant program funds.
        (4) Initial distribution.--With respect to administrative funds 
    made available for fiscal years 2022 through 2024, funds available 
    as of the date of enactment of this Act shall be distributed to 
    States through a cooperative agreement executed between the State 
    and the FAA not later than 30 days after such date of enactment.
    (d) Report.--The Comptroller General shall issue to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the Office of Airports of the FAA 
and the airport improvement program under subchapter I of chapter 471 
and chapter 475 of title 49, United States Code, and include in such 
report a description of--
        (1) the responsibilities of States participating in the block 
    grant program under section 47128 of title 49, United States Code; 
    and
        (2) the impact of title VIII of division J of the 
    Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) and 
    other Federal administrative funding sources on the ability of such 
    States to disburse and administer airport improvement program 
    funds.
    SEC. 721. INNOVATIVE FINANCING TECHNIQUES.
    Section 47135 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the 
    following:
    ``(a) Authority.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Transportation may approve 
    an application by an airport sponsor to use grants received under 
    this subchapter for innovative financing techniques related to an 
    airport development project that is located at an airport that is 
    not a large hub airport.
        ``(2) Approval.--The Secretary may approve not more than 30 
    applications described under paragraph (1) in a fiscal year.
    ``(b) Purposes.--The purpose of grants made under this section 
shall be to--
        ``(1) provide information on the benefits and difficulties of 
    using innovative financing techniques for airport development 
    projects;
        ``(2) lower the total cost of an airport development project; 
    or
        ``(3) expedite the delivery or completion of an airport 
    development project without reducing safety or causing 
    environmental harm.''; and
        (2) in subsection (c)(2)--
            (A) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (B) in subparagraph (D) by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; and''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(E) any other techniques that the Secretary determines 
        are consistent with the purposes of this section.''.
    SEC. 722. LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT PLANS.
    Section 47136(c) of title 49, United States Code is amended--
        (1) by striking ``applicants that will'' and inserting the 
    following: ``applicants that--
        ``(1) will'';
        (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; 
    and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(2) provide a long-term management plan for eligible vehicles 
    and equipment that includes the existing and future infrastructure 
    requirements of the airport related to such vehicles and 
    equipment.''.
    SEC. 723. ALTERNATIVE PROJECT DELIVERY.
    (a) In General.--Section 47142 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) in the section heading by striking ``Design-build 
    contracting'' and inserting ``Alternative project delivery'';
        (2) in subsection (a)--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
                (i) by striking ``Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
            Administration'' and inserting ``Secretary of 
            Transportation''; and
                (ii) by striking ``award a design-build'' and inserting 
            ``award a covered project delivery'';
            (B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``design-build'' and 
        inserting ``covered project delivery''; and
            (C) in paragraph (4) by striking ``design-build contract 
        will'' and inserting ``covered project delivery contract is 
        projected to''; and
        (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
    ``(c) Pilot Program.--
        ``(1) Pilot program.--Not later than 270 days after the date of 
    enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a pilot 
    program under which the Administrator may award grants for 
    integrated project delivery contracts, as described in subsection 
    (d)(2), to carry out up to 5 building construction projects at 
    airports in the United States with a grant awarded under section 
    47104.
        ``(2) Application.--
            ``(A) Eligibility.--A sponsor of an airport may submit to 
        the Secretary an application, in such time and manner and 
        containing such information as the Secretary may require, to 
        carry out a building construction project under the pilot 
        program that would otherwise be eligible for assistance under 
        this chapter.
            ``(B) Approval.--The Secretary may approve the application 
        of a sponsor of an airport submitted under paragraph (1) to 
        authorize such sponsor to award an integrated project delivery 
        contract using a selection process permitted under applicable 
        State or local law if--
                ``(i) the Secretary approves the application using 
            criteria established by the Secretary;
                ``(ii) the integrated project delivery contract is in a 
            form that is approved by the Secretary;
                ``(iii) the Secretary is satisfied that the contract 
            will be executed pursuant to competitive procedures and 
            contains a schematic design and any other material that the 
            Secretary determines sufficient to approve the grant;
                ``(iv) the Secretary is satisfied that the use of an 
            integrated project delivery contract will be cost effective 
            and expedite the project;
                ``(v) the Secretary is satisfied that there will be no 
            conflict of interest; and
                ``(vi) the Secretary is satisfied that the contract 
            selection process will be open, fair, and objective and 
            that not less than 2 sets of proposals will be submitted 
            for each team entity under the selection process.
        ``(3) Reimbursement of costs.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may reimburse a sponsor of 
        an airport for any design or construction costs incurred before 
        a grant is made pursuant to this section if--
                ``(i) the project funding is approved by the Secretary 
            in advance;
                ``(ii) the project is carried out in accordance with 
            all administrative and statutory requirements under this 
            chapter; and
                ``(iii) the project is carried out under this chapter 
            after a grant agreement has been executed.
            ``(B) Accounting.--Reimbursement of costs shall be based on 
        transparent cost accounting or open book cost accounting.
    ``(d) Covered Project Delivery Contract Defined.--In this section, 
the term `covered project delivery contract' means--
        ``(1) an agreement that provides for both design and 
    construction of a project by a contractor through alternative 
    project delivery methods, including construction manager-at-risk 
    and progressive design build; or
        ``(2) a single contract for the delivery of a whole project 
    that--
            ``(A) includes, at a minimum, the sponsor, builder, and 
        architect-engineer as parties that are subject to the terms of 
        the contract;
            ``(B) aligns the interests of all the parties to the 
        contract with respect to the project costs and project 
        outcomes; and
            ``(C) includes processes to ensure transparency and 
        collaboration among all parties to the contract relating to 
        project costs and project outcomes.''.
    (b) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the Secretary 
establishes the pilot program under section 47142(c) of title 49, 
United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)), the Secretary shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on whether integrated 
project delivery or other covered project delivery contracts authorized 
under such section resulted in any project efficiencies.
    (c) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
47142 and inserting the following:
``47142. Alternative project delivery.''.
    SEC. 724. NONMOVEMENT AREA SURVEILLANCE SURFACE DISPLAY SYSTEMS 
      PILOT PROGRAM.
    Section 47143(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
    SEC. 725. AIRPORT ACCESSIBILITY.
    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 47145. Pilot program for airport accessibility
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish 
and carry out a pilot program to award grants to sponsors to carry out 
capital projects to upgrade the accessibility of commercial service 
airports for individuals with disabilities by increasing the number of 
commercial service airports, airport terminals, or airport facilities 
that meet or exceed the standards and regulations under the Americans 
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.) and the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 note).
    ``(b) Use of Funds.--
        ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a sponsor shall 
    use a grant awarded under this section--
            ``(A) for a project to repair, improve, or relocate the 
        infrastructure of an airport, airport terminal, or airport 
        facility to increase accessibility for individuals with 
        disabilities, or as part of a plan to increase accessibility 
        for individuals with disabilities;
            ``(B) to develop or modify a plan (as described in 
        subsection (e)) for a project that increases accessibility for 
        individuals with disabilities, including--
                ``(i) assessments of accessibility or assessments of 
            planned modifications to an airport, airport terminal, or 
            airport facility for passenger use, performed by the 
            disability advisory committee of the recipient airport (if 
            applicable), the protection and advocacy system for 
            individuals with disabilities in the applicable State, a 
            center for independent living, or a disability 
            organization, including an advocacy or nonprofit 
            organization that represents or provides services to 
            individuals with disabilities; or
                ``(ii) coordination by the disability advisory 
            committee of the recipient airport with a protection and 
            advocacy system, center for independent living, or such 
            disability organization; or
            ``(C) to carry out any other project that meets or exceeds 
        the standards and regulations described in subsection (a).
        ``(2) Limitation.--Eligible costs for a project funded with a 
    grant awarded under this section shall be limited to the costs 
    associated with carrying out the purpose authorized under 
    subsection (a).
    ``(c) Eligibility.--A sponsor may use a grant under this section to 
upgrade a commercial service airport that is accessible to and usable 
by individuals with disabilities--
        ``(1) consistent with the current (as of the date of the 
    upgrade) standards and regulations described in subsection (a); and
        ``(2) even if the related service, program, or activity, when 
    viewed in the entirely of the service, program, or activity, is 
    readily accessible and usable as so described.
    ``(d) Selection Criteria.--In making grants to sponsors under this 
section, the Secretary shall give priority to sponsors that are 
proposing--
        ``(1) a capital project to upgrade the accessibility of a 
    commercial service airport that is not accessible to and usable by 
    individuals with disabilities consistent with standards and 
    regulations described in subsection (a); or
        ``(2) to meet or exceed the Airports Council International 
    accreditation under the Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation, 
    through the incorporation of universal design principles.
    ``(e) Accessibility Commitment.--A sponsor that receives a grant 
under this section shall adopt a plan under which the sponsor commits 
to pursuing airport accessibility projects that--
        ``(1) enhance the passenger experience and maximize 
    accessibility of commercial service airports, airport terminals, or 
    airport facilities for individuals with disabilities, including 
    by--
            ``(A) upgrading bathrooms, counters, or pumping rooms;
            ``(B) increasing audio and visual accessibility on 
        information boards, security gates, or paging systems;
            ``(C) updating airport terminals to increase the 
        availability of accessible seating and power outlets for 
        durable medical equipment (such as powered wheelchairs);
            ``(D) updating airport websites and other information 
        communication technology to be accessible for individuals with 
        disabilities; or
            ``(E) increasing the number of elevators, including 
        elevators that move power wheelchairs to an aircraft;
        ``(2) improve the operations of, provide efficiencies of 
    service to, and enhance the use of commercial service airports for 
    individuals with disabilities;
        ``(3) establish a disability advisory committee if the airport 
    is a small, medium, or large hub airport; and
        ``(4) make improvements in personnel, infrastructure, and 
    technology that can assist passenger self-identification regarding 
    disability and needing assistance.
    ``(f) Coordination With Disability Advocacy Entities.--In 
administering grants under this section, the Secretary shall 
encourage--
        ``(1) engagement with disability advocacy entities (such as the 
    disability advisory committee of the sponsor) and a protection and 
    advocacy system for individuals with disabilities in the applicable 
    State, a center for independent living, or a disability 
    organization, including an advocacy or nonprofit organization that 
    represents or provides services to individuals with disabilities; 
    and
        ``(2) assessments of accessibility or assessments of planned 
    modifications to commercial service airports to the extent merited 
    by the scope of the capital project of the sponsor proposed to be 
    assisted under this section, taking into account any such 
    assessment already conducted by the Federal Aviation 
    Administration.
    ``(g) Federal Share of Costs.--The Government's share of allowable 
project costs for a project carried out with a grant under this section 
shall be the Government's share of allowable project costs specified 
under section 47109.
    ``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
        ``(1) Center for independent living.--The term `center for 
    independent living' has the meaning given such term in section 702 
    of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 796a).
        ``(2) Disability advisory committee.--The term `disability 
    advisory committee' means a body of stakeholders (including airport 
    staff, airline representatives, and individuals with disabilities) 
    that provide to airports and appropriate transportation authorities 
    input from individuals with disabilities, including identifying 
    opportunities for removing barriers, expanding accessibility 
    features, and improving accessibility for individuals with 
    disabilities at airports.
        ``(3) Protection and advocacy system.--The term `protection and 
    advocacy system' means a system established in accordance with 
    section 143 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill 
    of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15043).
    ``(i) Funding.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
chapter, for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028, the Secretary may 
use up to $20,000,000 of the amounts that would otherwise be used to 
make grants from the discretionary fund under section 47115 for each 
such fiscal year to carry out this section.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of chapter 
471 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 47144 the following:
``47145. Pilot program for airport accessibility.''.
    SEC. 726. GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT RUNWAY EXTENSION PILOT PROGRAM.
    (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United 
States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 47146. General aviation program runway extension pilot program
    ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Transportation shall 
establish and carry out a pilot program to provide grants to general 
aviation airports to increase the usable runway length capability at 
such airports in order to--
        ``(1) expand access to such airports for larger aircraft; and
        ``(2) support the development and economic viability of such 
    airports.
    ``(b) Grants.--
        ``(1) In general.--For the purpose of carrying out the pilot 
    program established in subsection (a), the Secretary shall make 
    grants to not more than 2 sponsors of general aviation airports per 
    fiscal year.
        ``(2) Use of funds.--A sponsor of a general aviation airport 
    shall use a grant awarded under this section to plan, design, or 
    construct a project to extend an existing primary runway by not 
    greater than 1,000 feet in order to accommodate large turboprop or 
    turbojet aircraft that cannot be accommodated with the existing 
    runway length.
        ``(3) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
    this section, a sponsor of a general aviation airport shall submit 
    an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form, and 
    containing such information as the Secretary may require.
        ``(4) Selection.--In selecting an applicant for a grant under 
    this section, the Secretary shall prioritize projects that 
    demonstrate that the existing runway length at the airport is--
            ``(A) inadequate to support the near-term operations of 1 
        or more business entities operating at the airport as of the 
        date of submission of such application;
            ``(B) a direct aircraft operational impediment to airport 
        economic viability, job creation or retention, or local 
        economic development; and
            ``(C) not located within 20 miles of another National Plan 
        of Integrated Airport Systems airport with comparable runway 
        length.
    ``(c) Project Justification.--A project that demonstrates the 
criteria described in subsection (b) shall be considered a justified 
cost with respect to the pilot program, notwithstanding--
        ``(1) any benefit-cost analysis required under section 
    47115(d); or
        ``(2) a project justification determination described in 
    section 3 of chapter 3 of FAA Order 5100.38D, Airport Improvement 
    Program Handbook (dated September 30, 2014) (or any successor 
    document).
    ``(d) Federal Share.--The Government's share of allowable project 
costs for a project carried out with a grant under this section shall 
be the Government's share of allowable project costs specified under 
section 47109.
    ``(e) Report to Congress.--Not later than 5 years after the 
establishment of the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives a report that evaluates the pilot program, 
including--
        ``(1) information regarding the level of applicant interest in 
    grants for increasing runway length;
        ``(2) the number of large aircraft that accessed each general 
    aviation airport that received a grant under the pilot program in 
    comparison to the number of such aircraft that accessed the airport 
    prior to the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
    2024, based on data provided to the Secretary by the airport 
    sponsor not later than 6 months before the submission date 
    described in this subsection; and
        ``(3) a description, provided to the Secretary by the airport 
    sponsor not later than 6 months before the submission date 
    described in this subsection, of the economic development 
    opportunities supported by increasing the runway length at general 
    aviation airports.
    ``(f) Funding.--For each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028, the 
Secretary may use funds under section 47116(b)(2) to carry out this 
section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for subchapter I of chapter 
471 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by inserting 
after the item relating to section 47145 the following:
``47146. General aviation airport runway extension pilot program.''.
    SEC. 727. REPEAL OF OBSOLETE CRIMINAL PROVISIONS.
    Section 47306 of title 49, United States Code, and the item 
relating to such section in the analysis for chapter 473 of such title, 
are repealed.
    SEC. 728. TRANSFERS OF AIR TRAFFIC SYSTEMS ACQUIRED WITH AIP 
      FUNDING.
    (a) In General.--Section 44502(e) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``An airport'' and inserting 
    ``Subject to paragraph (4), an airport in a non-contiguous State'';
        (2) in paragraph (3)--
            (A) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``or'' at the end;
            (B) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end 
        and inserting ``; or''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
            ``(D) a Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System with 
        Runway Alignment Indicator Lights.''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
        ``(4) Exception.--The requirement under paragraph (1) that an 
    eligible air traffic system or equipment be purchased in part using 
    a Government airport aid program, airport development aid program, 
    or airport improvement project grant shall not apply if the air 
    traffic system or equipment is installed at an airport that is 
    categorized as a basic or local general aviation airport under the 
    most recently published national plan of integrated airport systems 
    under section 47103.''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take 
effect beginning on October 1, 2024.
    SEC. 729. NATIONAL PRIORITY SYSTEM FORMULAS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall review and update the National 
Priority System prioritization formulas contained in FAA Order 5090.5 
to account for the amendments to chapter 471 of title 49, United States 
Code, made by this Act.
    (b) Required Consultation.--In revising the formulas under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the 
following:
        (1) Primary airports, including large, medium, small, and 
    nonhub airports.
        (2) Non-primary airports, including general aviation airports.
        (3) Airport trade associations, including trade associations 
    representing airport executives.
        (4) State aviation officials, including associations 
    representing such officials.
        (5) Air carriers, including mainline, regional, and low-cost 
    air carriers.
        (6) Associations representing air carriers.
    (c) Priority Projects.--In revising the formulas under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall assign the highest priority to projects that 
increase or maintain the safety, efficiency, and capacity of the 
aviation system.
    SEC. 730. MINORITY AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION.
    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
        (1) While significant progress has occurred due to the 
    establishment of the airport disadvantaged business enterprise 
    program and the airport concessions disadvantaged business 
    enterprise program under sections 47113 and 47107(e) of title 49, 
    United States Code, respectively, discrimination and related 
    barriers continue to pose significant obstacles for minority- and 
    women-owned businesses seeking to do business in airport-related 
    markets across the Nation.
        (2) Congress has received and reviewed testimony and 
    documentation of race and gender discrimination from numerous 
    sources, including congressional hearings and roundtables, 
    scientific reports, reports issued by public and private agencies, 
    news stories, reports of discrimination by organizations and 
    individuals, and discrimination lawsuits. Such testimony and 
    documentation show that race- and gender-neutral efforts alone are 
    insufficient to address the problem.
        (3) The testimony and documentation described in paragraph (2) 
    demonstrate that race and gender discrimination pose a barrier to 
    full and fair participation in airport-related businesses of women 
    business owners and minority business owners in the racial groups 
    detailed in parts 23 and 26 of title 49, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, and has impacted firm development and other aspects of 
    airport-related business in the public and private markets.
        (4) The testimony and documentation described in paragraph (2) 
    provide a strong basis that there is a compelling need for the 
    continuation of the airport disadvantaged business enterprise 
    program and the airport concessions disadvantaged business 
    enterprise program to address race and gender discrimination in 
    airport-related business.
    (b) Supportive Services.--Section 47113 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Supportive Services.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the 
    Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, may, at the 
    request of an airport sponsor, provide assistance under a grant 
    issued under this subchapter to develop, conduct, and administer 
    training programs and assistance programs in connection with any 
    airport improvement project subject to part 26 of title 49, Code of 
    Federal Regulations, for small business concerns referred to in 
    subsection (b) to achieve proficiency to compete, on an equal basis 
    for contracts and subcontracts related to such projects.
        ``(2) Eligible entities.--An entity eligible to receive 
    assistance under this section is--
            ``(A) a State;
            ``(B) a political subdivision of a State or local 
        government;
            ``(C) a Tribal government;
            ``(D) an airport sponsor;
            ``(E) a metropolitan planning organization;
            ``(F) a group of entities described in subparagraphs (A) 
        through (E); or
            ``(G) any other organization considered appropriate by the 
        Secretary.''.
    SEC. 731. EXTENSION OF PROVISION RELATING TO AIRPORT ACCESS ROADS 
      IN REMOTE LOCATIONS.
    Section 162 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47102 
note) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
``2018'' and all that follows through ``2024'' and inserting ``2024 
through 2028''.
    SEC. 732. POPULOUS COUNTIES WITHOUT AIRPORTS.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may not 
deny inclusion in the national plan of integrated airport systems 
maintained under section 47103 of title 49, United States Code, to an 
airport or proposed airport if the airport or proposed airport--
        (1) is located in the most populous county (as such term is 
    defined in section 2 of title 1, United States Code) of a State 
    that does not have an airport listed in the national plan;
        (2) has an airport sponsor that was established before January 
    1, 2017;
        (3) is located more than 15 miles away from another airport 
    listed in the national plan;
        (4) demonstrates how the airport will meet the operational 
    activity required, through a forecast validated by the Secretary, 
    within the first 10 years of operation;
        (5) meets FAA airport design standards;
        (6) submits a benefit-cost analysis;
        (7) presents a detailed financial plan to accomplish 
    construction and ongoing maintenance; and
        (8) has the documented support of the State government for the 
    entry of the airport or proposed airport into the national plan.
    SEC. 733. AIP HANDBOOK UPDATE.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall revise the Airport Improvement 
Program Handbook (FAA Order 5100.38D) (in this section referred to as 
the ``AIP Handbook'') to account for legislative changes to the airport 
improvement program under subchapter I of chapter 471 and chapter 475 
of title 49, United States Code, and to make such other changes as the 
Administrator determines necessary.
    (b) Requirements Relating to Alaska.--In revising the AIP Handbook 
under subsection (a) (and in any subsequent revision), the 
Administrator, in consultation with the Governor of Alaska, shall 
identify and incorporate reasonable exceptions to the general 
requirements of the AIP Handbook to meet the unique circumstances, and 
advance the safety needs, of airports in Alaska, including with respect 
to the following:
        (1) Snow Removal Equipment Building size and configuration.
        (2) Expansion of lease areas.
        (3) Shared governmental use of airport equipment and facilities 
    in remote locations.
        (4) Ensuring the resurfacing or reconstruction of legacy 
    runways to support--
            (A) aircraft necessary to support critical health needs of 
        a community;
            (B) remote fuel deliveries; and
            (C) firefighting response.
        (5) The use of runway end identifier lights at airports in 
    Alaska.
    (c) Additional Requirement.--In revising the AIP Handbook under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall include updates to reflect 
whether a light emitting diode system is an appropriate replacement for 
any existing halogen system.
    (d) Public Comment.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish a draft 
    revision of the AIP Handbook and make such draft available for 
    public comment for a period of not less than 90 days.
        (2) Review.--The Administrator shall--
            (A) review all comments submitted during the public comment 
        period described under paragraph (1);
            (B) as the Administrator considers appropriate, incorporate 
        changes based on such comments into the final revision of the 
        Handbook; and
            (C) provide a response to all significant comments.
    (e) Interim Implementation of Changes.--
        (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), not later 
    than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
    Administrator shall issue program guidance letters to provide for 
    the interim implementation of amendments made by this Act to the 
    Airport Improvement Program.
        (2) Alaska exceptions.--Not later than 60 days after the date 
    on which the Administrator identified reasonable exceptions under 
    subsection (b), the Administrator, in consultation with the 
    Regional Administrator of the FAA Alaskan Region, shall issue 
    program guidance letters to provide for the interim application of 
    such exceptions.
    SEC. 734. GAO AUDIT OF AIRPORT FINANCIAL REPORTING PROGRAM.
    (a) Audit.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate an audit of the 
airport financial reporting program of the FAA and provide 
recommendations to the Administrator on improvements to such program.
    (b) Requirements.--In conducting the audit required under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall, at a minimum--
        (1) review relevant FAA guidance to airports, including the 
    version of Advisory Circular 150/5100-19, titled ``Operating and 
    Financial Summary'', that is in effect on the date of enactment of 
    this Act;
        (2) evaluate the information requested or required by the 
    Administrator from airports for completeness and usefulness by the 
    FAA and the public;
        (3) assess the costs associated with collecting, reporting, and 
    maintaining such information for airports and the FAA;
        (4) determine if such information provided is--
            (A) updated on a regular basis to make such information 
        useful; and
            (B) audited and verified in an appropriate manner;
        (5) assess if the Administrator has addressed the issues the 
    Administrator discovered during the apportionment and disbursement 
    of relief funds to airports under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and 
    Economic Security Act (Public Law 116-136) using inaccurate and 
    aged airport financial data; and
        (6) determine whether the airport financial reporting program 
    as structured as of the date of enactment of this Act provides 
    value to the FAA, the aviation industry, or the public.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 months after the 
completion of the audit required under subsection (a), the Comptroller 
General shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
containing the findings of such audit and any recommendations provided 
to the Administrator to improve or alter the airport financial 
reporting program.
    SEC. 735. GAO STUDY OF ONSITE AIRPORT GENERATION.
    (a) Study.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study on the 
feasibility of installation and adoption of certain power generation 
property at airports which receive funding from the Federal Government.
    (b) Content.--In carrying out the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall examine--
        (1) any safety impacts of the installation and operation of 
    such power generation property, either in aggregate or around 
    certain locations or structures at the airport;
        (2) regulatory barriers to adoption;
        (3) benefits to adoption;
        (4) previous examples of adoptions;
        (5) impacts on other entities; and
        (6) previous examples of adoption and factors pertaining to 
    previous examples of adoption, including--
            (A) novel uses beyond supplemental power generation, such 
        as expanding nonresidential property around airports to 
        minimize noise, power generation resilience, and market forces;
            (B) challenges identified in the installation process;
            (C) upfront and long-term costs, both foreseen and 
        unforeseen;
            (D) funding sources used to pay for upfront costs; and
            (E) long-term savings.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the initiation of the 
study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the results of 
the study and any recommendations based on such results.
    (d) Power Generation Property Defined.--In this section, the term 
``power generation property'' means equipment defined in section 
48(a)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
    SEC. 736. TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT AT AIRPORTS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study to examine 
the efficacy of transportation demand management strategies at United 
States airports.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General shall examine, at a minimum--
        (1) whether transportation demand management strategies should 
    be considered by airports when making infrastructure planning and 
    construction decisions;
        (2) the impact of transportation demand management strategies 
    on existing multimodal options to and from airports in the United 
    States; and
        (3) best practices for developing transportation demand 
    management strategies that can be used to improve access to 
    airports for passengers and airport and airline personnel.
    (c) Report.--Upon completion of the study conducted under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on such study.
    (d) Transportation Demand Management Strategy Defined.--In this 
section, the term ``transportation demand management strategy'' means 
the use of planning, programs, policy, marketing, communications, 
incentives, pricing, data, and technology to optimize travel modes, 
routes used, departure times, and number of trips.
    SEC. 737. COASTAL AIRPORTS ASSESSMENT.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the Chief of 
Engineers and Commanding General of the United States Army Corps of 
Engineers, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, shall initiate an assessment on the 
resiliency of airports in coastal or flood-prone areas of the United 
States.
    (b) Contents.--The assessment required under subsection (a) shall--
        (1) examine the impact of hazardous weather and other 
    environmental factors that pose risks to airports in coastal or 
    flood-prone areas; and
        (2) identify and evaluate initiatives and best practices to 
    prevent and mitigate the impacts of factors described in paragraph 
    (1) on airports in coastal or flood-prone areas.
    (c) Report.--Upon completion of the assessment, the Administrator 
shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives a report on--
        (1) the results of the assessment required under subsection 
    (a); and
        (2) recommendations for legislative or administrative action to 
    improve the resiliency of airports in coastal or flood-prone areas 
    in the United States.
    SEC. 738. AIRPORT INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM.
    Section 47134(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
        ``(4) Benefit-cost analysis.--
            ``(A) In general.--Prior to approving an application 
        submitted under subsection (a), the Secretary may require a 
        benefit-cost analysis.
            ``(B) Finding.--If a benefit-cost analysis is required, the 
        Secretary shall issue a preliminary and conditional finding, 
        which shall--
                ``(i) be issued not later than 60 days after the date 
            on which the sponsor submits all information required by 
            the Secretary;
                ``(ii) be based upon a collaborative review process 
            that includes the sponsor or a representative of the 
            sponsor;
                ``(iii) not constitute the issuance of a Federal grant 
            or obligation to issue a grant under this chapter or other 
            provision of law; and
                ``(iv) not constitute any other obligation on the part 
            of the Federal Government until the conditions specified in 
            the final benefit-cost analysis are met.''.
    SEC. 739. SPECIAL RULE FOR RECLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN UNCLASSIFIED 
      AIRPORTS.
    (a) Request for Reclassification.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 2024, a privately 
    owned reliever airport (as such term is defined in section 47102 of 
    title 49, United States Code) that is identified as unclassified in 
    the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems of the FAA titled 
    ``National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) 2023-2027'', 
    published on September 30, 2022 may submit to the Secretary a 
    request to reclassify the airport according to the criteria used to 
    classify a publicly owned airport.
        (2) Required information.--In submitting a request under 
    paragraph (1), a privately owned reliever airport shall include the 
    following information:
            (A) A sworn statement and accompanying documentation that 
        demonstrates how the airport would satisfy the requirements of 
        FAA Order 5090.5, titled ``Formulation of the NPIAS and ACIP'' 
        (or any successor guidance), to be classified as ``Local'' or 
        ``Basic'' if the airport was publicly owned.
            (B) A report that--
                (i) identifies the role of the airport to the aviation 
            system; and
                (ii) describes the long-term fiscal viability of the 
            airport based on demonstrated aeronautical activity and 
            associated revenues relative to ongoing operating and 
            maintenance costs.
    (b) Eligibility Review.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a 
    request from a privately owned reliever airport under subsection 
    (a), the Secretary shall perform an eligibility review with respect 
    to the airport, including an assessment of the safety, security, 
    capacity, access, compliance with Federal grant assurances, and 
    protection of natural resources of the airport and the quality of 
    the environment, as prescribed by the Secretary.
        (2) Public sponsor.--In performing the eligibility review under 
    paragraph (1), the Secretary--
            (A) may require the airport requesting reclassification to 
        provide information regarding the outlook (whether positive or 
        negative) for obtaining a public sponsor; and
            (B) may not require the airport to obtain a public sponsor.
    (c) Reclassification by Secretary.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a 
    request from a privately owned reliever airport under subsection 
    (a)(1), the Secretary shall grant such request if the following 
    criteria are met:
            (A) The request includes the required information under 
        subsection (a)(2).
            (B) The privately owned reliever airport, to the 
        satisfaction of the Secretary--
                (i) passes the eligibility review performed under 
            subsection (b); or
                (ii) submits a corrective action plan in accordance 
            with paragraph (2).
        (2) Corrective action plan.--With respect to a privately owned 
    reliever airport that does not, to the satisfaction of the 
    Secretary, pass the eligibility review performed under subsection 
    (b), the Secretary shall provide notice of disapproval to such 
    airport not later than 60 days after receiving the request under 
    subsection (a)(1), and such airport may resubmit to the Secretary a 
    reclassification request along with a corrective action plan that--
            (A) resolves any shortcomings identified in such 
        eligibility review; and
            (B) proves that any necessary corrective action has been 
        completed by the airport.
    (d) Effective Date.--The reclassification of any privately owned 
reliever airport under this section shall take effect not later than--
        (1) October 1, 2025, for any request granted under subsection 
    (c)(1); and
        (2) October 1, 2026, for any request granted after the 
    submission of a corrective action plan under subsection (c)(2).
    SEC. 740. PERMANENT SOLAR POWERED TAXIWAY EDGE LIGHTING SYSTEMS.
    Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall produce an engineering brief that describes the 
acceptable use of permanent solar powered taxiway edge lighting systems 
at regional, local, and basic general aviation airports (as categorized 
in the most recent National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems of the 
FAA titled ``National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) 2023-
2027'', published on September 30, 2022).
    SEC. 741. SECONDARY RUNWAYS.
    In approving grants for projects with funds made available pursuant 
to title VIII of division J of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs 
Act (Public Law 117-58) under the heading ``Federal Aviation 
Administration--Airport Infrastructure Grants'', the Administrator 
shall consider permitting a nonhub or small hub airport to use such 
funds to extend secondary runways, notwithstanding the level of 
operational activity at such airport.
    SEC. 742. INCREASING ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF AIRPORTS AND MEETING 
      CURRENT AND FUTURE ENERGY POWER DEMANDS.
    (a) In General.--Section 47140 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 47140. Meeting current and future energy power demand
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish 
a program under which the Secretary shall--
        ``(1) encourage the sponsor of each public-use airport to--
            ``(A) conduct airport planning that assesses the 
        airport's--
                ``(i) current and future energy power requirements, 
            including--

                    ``(I) heating and cooling;
                    ``(II) on-road airport vehicles and ground support 
                equipment;
                    ``(III) gate electrification;
                    ``(IV) electric aircraft charging; and
                    ``(V) vehicles and equipment used to transport 
                passengers and employees between the airport and--

                        ``(aa) nearby facilities owned or controlled by 
                    the airport or which otherwise directly support the 
                    functions or services provided by the airport; or
                        ``(bb) an intermodal surface transportation 
                    facility adjacent to the airport; and
                ``(ii) existing energy infrastructure condition, 
            location, and capacity, including base load and backup 
            power, to meet the current and future electrical power 
            demand as identified in this subparagraph; and
            ``(B) conduct airport development to improve energy 
        efficiency, increase peak load savings at the airport, and meet 
        future electrical power demands as identified in subparagraph 
        (A); and
        ``(2) reimburse the airport sponsor for the costs incurred in 
    conducting the assessment under paragraph (1)(A).
    ``(b) Grants.--The Secretary shall make grants to airport sponsors 
from amounts made available under section 48103 to assist such sponsors 
that have completed the assessment described in subsection (a)(1)--
        ``(1) to acquire or construct equipment that will improve 
    energy efficiency at the airport; and
        ``(2) to pursue an airport development project described in 
    subsection (a)(1)(B).
    ``(c) Application.--To be eligible for a grant under paragraph (1), 
the sponsor of a public-use airport shall submit an application, 
including a certification that no safety projects are being deferred by 
requesting a grant under this section, to the Secretary at such time, 
in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
require.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 471 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
47140 and inserting the following:
``47140. Meeting current and future energy power demand.''.
    SEC. 743. REVIEW OF AIRPORT LAYOUT PLANS.
    (a) In General.--Section 163 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
(49 U.S.C. 47107 note) is amended--
        (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) [Reserved].''; and
        (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) [Reserved].''.
    (b) Airport Layout Plan Approval Authority.--Section 47107 of title 
49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)(16)--
            (A) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the 
        following:
            ``(B) subject to subsection (x), the Secretary will review 
        and approve or disapprove the plan and any revision or 
        modification of the plan before the plan, revision, or 
        modification takes effect;''; and
            (B) in subparagraph (C)(i) by striking ``subparagraph (B)'' 
        and inserting ``subsection (x)''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(x) Scope of Airport Layout Plan Review and Approval Authority of 
Secretary.--
        ``(1) Authority over projects on land acquired without federal 
    assistance.--For purposes of subsection (a)(16)(B), with respect to 
    any project proposed on land acquired by an airport owner or 
    operator without Federal assistance, the Secretary may review and 
    approve or disapprove only the portions of the plan (or any 
    subsequent revision to the plan) that--
            ``(A) materially impact the safe and efficient operation of 
        aircraft at, to, or from the airport;
            ``(B) adversely affect the safety of people or property on 
        the ground as a result of aircraft operations; or
            ``(C) adversely affect the value of prior Federal 
        investments to a significant extent.
        ``(2) Limitation on non-aeronautical review.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may not require an airport 
        to seek approval for (including in the submission of an airport 
        layout plan), or directly or indirectly regulate or place 
        conditions on (including through any grant assurance), any 
        project that is not subject to paragraph (1).
            ``(B) Review and approval authority.--If only a portion of 
        a project proposed by an airport owner or operator is subject 
        to the review and approval of the Secretary under subsection 
        (a)(16)(B), the Secretary shall not extend review and approval 
        authority to other non-aeronautical portions of the project.
        ``(3) Notice.--
            ``(A) In general.--An airport owner or operator shall 
        submit to the Secretary a notice of intent to proceed with a 
        proposed project (or a portion thereof) that is outside of the 
        review and approval authority of the Secretary, as described in 
        this subsection, if the project was not on the most recently 
        submitted airport layout plan of the airport.
            ``(B) Failure to object.--If not later than 45 days after 
        receiving the notice of intent described in subparagraph (A), 
        the Secretary fails to object to such notice, the proposed 
        project (or portion thereof) shall be deemed as being outside 
        the scope of the review and approval authority of the Secretary 
        under subsection (a)(16)(B).''.
    SEC. 744. PROTECTION OF SAFE AND EFFICIENT USE OF AIRSPACE AT 
      AIRPORTS.
    (a) Airspace Review Process Requirements.--The Administrator shall 
consider the following additional factors in the evaluation of 
cumulative impacts when making a determination of hazard or no hazard, 
or objection or no objection, as applicable, under part 77 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, regarding proposed construction or 
alteration within 3 miles of the runway ends and runway centerlines (as 
depicted in the FAA-approved Airport Layout Plan of the airport) on any 
land not owned by any such airport:
        (1) The accumulation and spacing of structures or other 
    obstructions that might constrain radar or communication 
    capabilities, thereby reducing the capacity of an airport, flight 
    procedure minimums or availability, or aircraft takeoff or landing 
    capabilities.
        (2) Safety risks of lasers, lights, or light sources, inclusive 
    of lighted billboards and screens, affixed to structures, that may 
    pose hazards to air navigation.
        (3) Water features or hazardous wildlife attractants, as 
    defined by the Administrator.
        (4) Impacts to visual flight rule traffic patterns for both 
    fixed and rotary wing aircraft, inclusive of special visual flight 
    rule procedures established by Letters of Agreement between air 
    traffic facilities, the airport, and flight operators.
        (5) Impacts to FAA-funded airport improvement projects, 
    improvements depicted on or described in FAA-approved Airport 
    Layout Plans and master plans, and preservation of the navigable 
    airspace necessary for achieving the objectives and utilization of 
    the projects and plans.
    (b) Required Information.--A notice submitted under part 77 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall include the following:
        (1) Actual designs of an entire project and property, without 
    regard to whether a proposed construction or alteration within 3 
    miles of the end of a runway of an airport and runway centerlines 
    as depicted in the FAA-approved Airport Layout Plan of the airport 
    is limited to a singular location on a property.
        (2) If there are any changes to such designs or addition of 
    equipment, such as cranes used to construct a building, after 
    submission of such a notice, all information included with the 
    notice submitted before such change or addition shall be 
    resubmitted, along with information regarding the change or 
    addition.
    (c) Expiration.--
        (1) In general.--Unless extended, revised, or terminated, each 
    determination of no hazard issued by the Administrator under part 
    77 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall expire 18 months 
    after the effective date of the determination, or on the date the 
    proposed construction or alteration is abandoned, whichever is 
    earlier.
        (2) After expiration.--Determinations under paragraph (1) are 
    no longer valid with regard to whether a proposed construction or 
    alteration would be a hazard to air navigation after such 
    determination has expired.
    (d) Authority to Consolidate OEI Surface Criteria.--The 
Administrator may develop a single set of One Engine Inoperative 
surface criteria that is specific to an airport. The Administrator 
shall consult with the airport operator and flight operators that use 
such airport, on the development of such surface criteria.
    (e) Development of Policies to Protect OEI Surfaces.--Not later 
than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress 
regarding the status of the efforts of the FAA to protect One Engine 
Inoperative surfaces from encroachment at United States certificated 
and federally obligated airports, including the current status of 
efforts to incorporate such protections into FAA Obstruction 
Evaluation/Airport Airspace Analysis processes.
    (f) Authority to Consult With Other Agencies.--The Administrator 
may consult with other Federal, State, or local agencies as necessary 
to carry out the requirements of this section.
    (g) Applicability.--This section shall only apply to an airport in 
a county adjacent to 2 States with converging intersecting cross runway 
operations within 12 nautical miles of an Air Force base.
    SEC. 745. ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM.
    (a) In General.--The Secretary may establish a pilot program under 
which airport sponsors may use funds made available under chapter 471 
or section 48103 of title 49, United States Code, for use at up to 10 
airports to carry out--
        (1) activities associated with the acquisition, by purchase or 
    lease, operation, and installation of equipment to support the 
    operations of electric aircraft, including interoperable electric 
    vehicle charging equipment; and
        (2) the construction or modification of infrastructure to 
    facilitate the delivery of power or services necessary for the use 
    of electric aircraft, including--
            (A) on airport utility upgrades; and
            (B) associated design costs.
    (b) Eligibility.--A public-use airport is eligible for 
participation in the pilot program under this section if the Secretary 
finds that funds made available under subsection (a) would support--
        (1) electric aircraft operators at such airport, or using such 
    airport; or
        (2) electric aircraft operators planning to operate at such 
    airport with an associated agreement in place.
    (c) Sunset.--The pilot program established under subsection (a) 
shall terminate on October 1, 2028.
    SEC. 746. CURB MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.
    Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent airports from--
        (1) engaging in curb management practices, including 
    determining and assigning curb designations and regulations;
        (2) installing and maintaining upon any of the roadways or 
    parts of roadways as many curb zones as necessary to aid in the 
    regulation, control, and inspection of passenger loading and 
    unloading; or
        (3) enforcing curb zones using sensor, camera, automated 
    license plate recognition, and software technologies and issuing 
    citations by mail to the registered owner of the vehicle.
    SEC. 747. NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY.
    Notwithstanding part 200 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, 
or any other provision of law, funds made available as part of the 
Airport Improvement Program under subchapter I of chapter 471 or 
chapter 475 of title 49, United States Code, shall not be subject to 
any public notice of funding opportunity requirement.
    SEC. 748. RUNWAY SAFETY PROJECTS.
    In awarding grants under section 47115 of title 49, United States 
Code, for runway safety projects, the Administrator shall, to the 
maximum extent practicable--
        (1) reduce unnecessary or undesirable project segmentation; and
        (2) complete the entire project in an expeditious manner.
    SEC. 749. AIRPORT DIAGRAM TERMINOLOGY.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall update Airport Diagram 
Order JO 7910.4 and any related advisory circulars, policy, and 
guidance to ensure the clear and consistent use of terms to delineate 
the types of parking available to general aviation pilots.
    (b) Collaboration.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall collaborate with industry stakeholders, commercial 
service airports, and general aviation airports in--
        (1) facilitating basic standardization of general aviation 
    parking terms;
        (2) accounting for the majority of uses of general aviation 
    parking terms; and
        (3) providing clarity for chart users.
    (c) IAC Specifications.--The Administrator shall encourage the 
Interagency Air Committee to incorporate the terms developed pursuant 
to subsection (a) in publications produced by the Committee.
    SEC. 750. GAO STUDY ON FEE TRANSPARENCY BY FIXED BASED OPERATORS.
    (a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study 
reviewing the efforts of fixed based operators to meet their 
commitments to improve the online transparency of prices and fees for 
all aircraft and enhancing the customer experience for general and 
business aviation users.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study described in subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General, at a minimum, should evaluate the fixed based 
operator industry commitment to ``Know Before You Go'' best business 
practices including--
        (1) fixed based operators provisions for all general aviation 
    and business aircraft types regarding a description of available 
    services and a listing of applicable retail fuel prices, fees, and 
    charges;
        (2) the accessibility of fees and charges described in 
    paragraph (1) to aircraft operators on-line and in a user-friendly 
    manner and with sufficient clarity that a pilot operating a 
    particular aircraft type can determine what will be charged;
        (3) efforts by fixed based operators to invite and encourage 
    customers to contact them so that operators can ask questions, know 
    any options, and make informed decisions; and
        (4) any practices imposed by an airport operator that prevent 
    fixed based operators from fully disclosing fees and charges.
    (c) Report Required.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the results of 
the review required under this section.
    SEC. 751. MINORITY AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS PARTICIPATION.
    Section 157(b)(2) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
47113 note) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(D) Publishing data.--The Secretary of Transportation 
        shall report on a publicly accessible website the uniform 
        report of DBE awards/commitments and payments specified in part 
        26 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and the uniform 
        report of ACDBE Participation for non-car rental and car rental 
        concessions, for each airport sponsor beginning with fiscal 
        year 2025.''.
    SEC. 752. PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN RUNWAY LENGTH REQUIREMENTS.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may not 
require an airport to shorten the length or width of the runway, apron, 
or taxiway of the airport as a condition for the receipt of federal 
financial assistance if the airport directly supports a base of the 
United States Air Force or the Air National Guard at the airport, 
regardless of the stationing of military aircraft.
    SEC. 753. REPORT ON INDO-PACIFIC AIRPORTS.
    The Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of State, 
shall submit to Congress a report on airports of strategic importance 
in the Indo-Pacific region that includes each of the following:
        (1) An identification of airports and air routes critical to 
    national security, defense operations, emergency response, and 
    continuity of government activities.
        (2) An assessment of the economic impact and contribution of 
    airports and air routes to national and regional economies.
        (3) An evaluation of the connectivity and accessibility of 
    airports and air routes, including their importance in supporting 
    domestic and international travel, trade, and tourism.
        (4) An analysis of infrastructure and technological 
    requirements necessary to maintain and enhance the strategic 
    importance of identified airports and air routes.
        (5) An identification of potential vulnerabilities, risks, and 
    challenges faced by airports and air routes of strategic 
    importance, including cybersecurity threats and physical 
    infrastructure vulnerabilities.
        (6) Any recommendations for improving the security, resilience, 
    and efficiency of the identified airports and air routes, including 
    potential infrastructure investments and policy changes.
    SEC. 754. GAO STUDY ON IMPLEMENTATION OF GRANTS AT CERTAIN 
      AIRPORTS.
    The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the implementation 
of grants provided to airports located in the Republic of the Marshall 
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of Palau under 
section 47115(i) of title 49, United States Code and submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of such 
study.
    SEC. 755. GAO STUDY ON TRANSIT ACCESS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on 
transit access to airports and submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report on the results of such study.
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall review public transportation access to 
commercial service airports throughout the United States, including 
accessibility and other potential barriers for individuals.
    SEC. 756. BANNING MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.
    (a) In General.--The United States, acting through the 
Administrator, shall release the City of Banning, California, from all 
restrictions, conditions, and limitations on the use, encumbrance, 
conveyance, and closure of the Banning Municipal Airport, as described 
in the most recent airport layout plan approved by the FAA, to the 
extent such restrictions, conditions, and limitations are enforceable 
by the Administrator.
    (b) Conditions.--The release under subsection (a) shall not be 
executed before the City of Banning, California, or its designee, 
transfers to the United States Government the following:
        (1) A reimbursement for 1983 grant the City of Banning, 
    California received from the FAA for the purchase of 20 acres of 
    land, at an amount equal to the fair market value for the highest 
    and best use of the Banning Municipal Airport property determined 
    in good faith by 2 independent and qualified real estate appraisers 
    and an independent review appraiser on or after the date of the 
    enactment of this Act.
        (2) An amount equal to the unamortized portion of any Federal 
    development grants other than land paid to the City of Banning for 
    use at the Banning Municipal Airport, which may be paid with, and 
    shall be an allowable use of, airport revenue notwithstanding 
    section 47107 or 47133 of title 49, United States Code.
        (3) For no consideration, all airport and aviation-related 
    equipment of the Banning Municipal Airport owned by the City of 
    Banning and determined by the FAA or the Department of 
    Transportation of the State of California to be salvageable for use 
    at other airports.
    (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to limit the applicability of--
        (1) the requirements and processes under section 46319 of title 
    49, United States Code;
        (2) the requirements under the National Environmental Policy 
    Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
        (3) the requirements and processes under part 157 of title 14, 
    Code of Federal Regulations; or
        (4) the public notice requirements under section 47107(h)(2) of 
    title 49, United States Code.
    SEC. 757. DISPUTED CHANGES OF SPONSORSHIP AT FEDERALLY OBLIGATED, 
      PUBLICLY OWNED AIRPORT.
    (a) Approval Authority.--
        (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in the case of a 
    disputed change of airport sponsorship, the Administrator shall 
    have the sole legal authority to approve any change in the 
    sponsorship of, or operational responsibility for, the airport from 
    the airport sponsor of record to another public or private entity.
        (2) Exclusion.--This section shall not apply to a change of 
    sponsorship or ownership of a privately-owned airport, a transfer 
    under the Airport Investment Partnership Program, a change when the 
    Federal Government exercises a right of reverter, or a change that 
    is not disputed.
    (b) Conditions for Approval.--
        (1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the 
    Administrator shall not approve any disputed change of airport 
    sponsorship unless the Administrator receives--
            (A) written documentation from the airport sponsor of 
        record consenting to the change in sponsorship or operation;
            (B) notice of a final, non-reviewable judicial decision 
        requiring such change; or
            (C) notice of a legally-binding agreement between the 
        parties involved.
        (2) Pending judicial review.--The Administrator may not 
    evaluate or approve a disputed change of airport sponsorship where 
    a legal dispute is pending before a court of competent 
    jurisdiction.
        (3) Technical assistance.--
            (A) In general.--Any State or local legislative body or 
        public agency considering whether to take an action (including 
        by drafting legislation) that would impact the ownership, 
        sponsorship, governance, or operations of a federally 
        obligated, publicly owned airport may request from the 
        Administrator, at any point in the deliberative process--
                (i) technical assistance regarding the 
            interrelationship between Federal and State or local 
            requirements applicable to any such action; and
                (ii) review and comment on such action.
            (B) Failure to seek technical assistance.--The 
        Administrator may deny a change in the ownership, sponsorship, 
        or governance of, or operational responsibility for, a 
        federally obligated, publicly owned airport if a State or local 
        legislative body or public agency does not seek technical 
        assistance under subparagraph (A) with respect to such change.
    (c) Final Decision Authority.--In addition to the conditions 
outlined in subsection (b), the Administrator shall independently 
determine whether the proposed sponsor or operator is able to satisfy 
Federal requirements for airport sponsorship or operation and shall 
ensure, by requiring whatever terms and conditions the Administrator 
determines necessary, that any change in the ownership, sponsorship, or 
governance of, or operational responsibility for, a federally 
obligated, publicly owned airport is consistent with existing Federal 
law, regulations, existing grant assurances, and Federal land 
conveyance obligations.
    (d) Definition of Disputed Change of Airport Sponsorship.--In this 
section, the term ``disputed change of airport sponsorship'' means any 
action that seeks to change the ownership, sponsorship, or governance 
of, or operational responsibility for, a federally obligated, publicly 
owned airport, including any such change directed by judicial action or 
State or local legislative action, where the airport sponsor of record 
initially does not consent to such change.
    SEC. 758. PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO FAA MULTIMODAL 
      PROJECTS.
    (a) In General.--Any multimodal airport development project that 
uses grant funding from funds made available to the Administrator to 
carry out subchapter I of chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code, 
or airport infrastructure projects under the Infrastructure Investment 
and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58) shall abide by the procurement 
regulations applicable to--
        (1) the FAA; and
        (2) subject to subsection (b), the component of the project 
    relating to transit, highway, or rail, respectively.
    (b) Multiple Component Projects.--In the case of a multimodal 
airport development project described in subsection (a) that involves 
more than 1 component described in paragraph (2) of such subsection, 
such project shall only be required to apply the procurement 
regulations applicable to the component where the greatest amount of 
Federal financial assistance will be expended.
    SEC. 759. BUCKEYE 940 RELEASE OF DEED RESTRICTIONS.
    (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to authorize the 
Secretary to issue a Deed of Release from all terms, conditions, 
reservations, restrictions, and obligations contained in the Quitclaim 
Deed and to permit the State of Arizona to deposit all proceeds of the 
disposition of Buckeye 940 in the appropriate fund for the benefit of 
the beneficiaries of the Arizona State Land Trust.
    (b) Release of Any and All Interest in Buckeye 940.--
        (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
    the United States, acting through the Secretary, shall issue to the 
    State of Arizona a Deed of Release to release all terms, 
    conditions, reservations, restrictions, and obligations contained 
    in the Quitclaim Deed, including any and all reversionary interest 
    of the United States in Buckeye 940.
        (2) Terms and conditions.--The Deed of Release described in 
    paragraph (1) shall be subject to such additional terms and 
    conditions, consistent with such paragraph, as the Secretary 
    considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United 
    States.
        (3) No restriction on use of proceeds.--Notwithstanding any 
    other provision of law, the State of Arizona may dispose of Buckeye 
    940 and any proceeds thereof, including proceeds already collected 
    by the State and held in a suspense account, without regard to any 
    restriction imposed by the Quitclaim Deed or by section 155.7 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (4) Mineral reservation.--The Deed of Release described in 
    paragraph (1) shall include the release of all interests of the 
    United States to the mineral rights on Buckeye 940 included in the 
    Quitclaim Deed.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Buckeye 940.--The term ``Buckeye 940'' means all of section 
    12, T.1 N., R.3 W. and all of adjoining fractional section 7, T.1 
    N., R.2 W., Gila and Salt River Meridian, Arizona, which property 
    was the subject of the Quitclaim Deed between the United States and 
    the State of Arizona, dated July 11, 1949, and which is currently 
    owned by the State of Arizona and held in trust for the 
    beneficiaries of the Arizona State Land Trust.
        (2) Quitclaim deed.--The term ``Quitclaim Deed'' means the 
    Quitclaim Deed between the United States and the State of Arizona, 
    dated July 11, 1949.
    SEC. 760. WASHINGTON, DC METROPOLITAN AREA SPECIAL FLIGHT RULES 
      AREA.
    (a) Submission of Study to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation 
with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense, 
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the 
Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the 
Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a study 
on the Special Flight Rules Area and the Flight Restricted Zone under 
subpart V of part 93 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Contents of Study.--In carrying out the study under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall assess specific proposed changes to the 
Special Flight Rules Area and the Flight Restricted Zone that will 
decrease operational impacts and improve general aviation access to 
airports in the National Capital Region that are currently impacted by 
the Special Flight Rules Area and the Flight Restricted Zone.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the committees of 
Congress described in subsection (a) a briefing on the feasibility 
(including any associated costs) of--
        (1) installing equipment that allows a pilot to communicate 
    with air traffic control using a very high frequency radio for the 
    purposes of receiving an instrument flight rules clearance, 
    activating a DC FRZ flight plan, or activating a DC SFRA flight 
    plan (as applicable) at--
            (A) non-towered airports in the Flight Restricted Zone; and
            (B) airports in the Special Flight Rules Area that do not 
        have the communications equipment described in this paragraph;
        (2) allowing a pilot approved by the Transportation Security 
    Administration in accordance with section 1562.3 of title 49, Code 
    of Federal Regulations, to electronically file a DC FRZ flight plan 
    or instrument flight rules flight plan that departs from, or 
    arrives at, an airport in the Flight Restricted Zone; and
        (3) allowing a pilot to electronically file a standard very 
    high frequency radio flight plan that departs from, or arrives at, 
    an airport in the Special Flight Rules Area or Flight Restricted 
    Zone.
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) DC frz flight plan; dc sfra flight plan.--The terms ``DC 
    FRZ flight plan'' and ``DC SFRA flight plan'' have the meanings 
    given such terms in section 93.335 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations.
        (2) Standard vfr flight plan.--The term ``standard VFR flight 
    plan'' means a VFR flight plan (as such term is described in 
    section 91.153 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations) that 
    includes search and rescue services.
    SEC. 761. STUDY ON AIR CARGO OPERATIONS IN PUERTO RICO.
    (a) In General.--No later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on air cargo 
operations in Puerto Rico.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall address the following:
        (1) The economic impact of waivers authorized by the Secretary 
    related to air cargo operations in Puerto Rico.
        (2) Recommendations for security measures that may be necessary 
    to support increased air cargo operations in Puerto Rico.
        (3) Potential need for additional staff to safely accommodate 
    additional air cargo operations.
        (4) Airport infrastructure improvements that may be needed in 
    the 3 international airports located in Puerto Rico to support 
    increased air cargo operations.
        (5) Alternatives to increase private stakeholder engagement and 
    use of the 3 international airports in Puerto Rico to attract 
    increased air cargo operations.
        (6) Possible national benefits of increasing air cargo 
    operations in Puerto Rico.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study described 
in subsection (a).
    SEC. 762. PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE NATIONAL TRANSITION PLAN RELATED 
      TO A FLUORINE-FREE FIREFIGHTING FOAM.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter until the progress 
report termination date described in subsection (c), the Administrator, 
in consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency and the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a progress report on the development and 
implementation of a national transition plan related to a fluorine-free 
firefighting foam that meets the performance standards referenced in 
chapter 6 of the advisory circular of the FAA titled ``Aircraft Fire 
Extinguishing Agents'', issued on July 8, 2004 (Advisory Circular 150/
5210-6D) and is acceptable under section 139.319(l) of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, for use at part 139 airports.
    (b) Required Information.--Each progress report under subsection 
(a) shall include the following:
        (1) An assessment of the progress made by the FAA with respect 
    to providing part 139 airports with--
            (A) guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency on 
        acceptable environmental limits relating to fluorine-free 
        firefighting foam;
            (B) guidance from the Department of Defense on the 
        transition of the Department of Defense to a fluorine-free 
        firefighting foam;
            (C) best practices for the decontamination of existing 
        aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, systems, and other 
        equipment used to deploy firefighting foam at part 139 
        airports; and
            (D) timelines for the release of policy and guidance 
        relating to the development of implementation plans for part 
        139 airports to obtain approved military specification products 
        and firefighting personnel training.
        (2) A comprehensive list of the amount of aqueous film-forming 
    firefighting foam at each part 139 airport as of the date of the 
    submission of the progress report, including the amount of such 
    firefighting foam held in firefighting equipment and the number of 
    gallons regularly kept in reserve at each such airport.
        (3) An assessment of the progress made by the FAA with respect 
    to providing airports that are not part 139 airports and local 
    authorities with responsibility for inspection and oversight with 
    guidance described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) as 
    such guidance relates to the use of fluorine-free firefighting foam 
    at such airports.
        (4) Any other information that the Administrator determines is 
    appropriate.
    (c) Progress Report Termination Date.--The progress report 
termination date described in this subsection is the date on which the 
Administrator notifies the appropriate committees of Congress that 
development and implementation of the national transition plan 
described in subsection (a) is complete.
    (d) Part 139 Airport Defined.--In this section, the term ``part 139 
airport'' means an airport certified under part 139 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 763. REPORT ON AIRPORT NOTIFICATIONS.
    Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report on the activities of the FAA with respect to--
        (1) collecting more accurate data in notices of construction, 
    alteration, activation, and deactivation of airports as required 
    under part 157 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
        (2) making the database under part 157 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations, more accurate and useful for aircraft 
    operators, particularly for helicopter and rotary wing type 
    aircraft operators.
    SEC. 764. STUDY ON COMPETITION AND AIRPORT ACCESS.
    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on--
        (1) specific actions the Secretary and the Administrator, using 
    existing legal authority, can take to expand access for lower cost 
    passenger air carriers to capacity constrained airports in the 
    United States, including New York John F. Kennedy International 
    Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International 
    Airport; and
        (2) any additional legal authority the Secretary and the 
    Administrator require in order to make additional slots at New York 
    John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport and 
    runway timings at Newark Liberty International Airport available to 
    lower cost passenger air carriers.
    SEC. 765. REGIONAL AIRPORT CAPACITY STUDY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a study on the following:
        (1) Existing FAA policy and guidance that govern the siting of 
    new airports or the transition of general aviation airports to 
    commercial service.
        (2) Ways that existing regulations and policies could be 
    streamlined to facilitate the development of new airport capacity, 
    particularly in high-demand air travel regions looking to invest in 
    new airport capacity.
        (3) Whether Federal funding sources (existing as of the date of 
    enactment of this Act) that are authorized by the Secretary could 
    be used for such purposes.
        (4) Whether such Federal funding sources meet the needs of the 
    national airspace system for adding new airport capacity outside of 
    the commercial service airports in operation as of the date of 
    enactment of this Act.
        (5) If such Federal funding sources are determined by the 
    Administrator to be insufficient for the purposes described in this 
    subsection, an estimate of the funding gap.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted 
under subsection (a), together with recommendations for such 
legislative or administrative action as the Administrator determines 
appropriate.
    (c) Guidance.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall, if appropriate, revise FAA 
guidance to incorporate the findings of the study conducted under 
subsection (a) to assist airports and State and local departments of 
transportation in increasing airport capacity to meet regional air 
travel demand.
    SEC. 766. STUDY ON AUTONOMOUS AND ELECTRIC-POWERED TRACK SYSTEMS.
    (a) Study.--The Administrator may conduct a study to determine the 
feasibility and economic viability of autonomous or electric-powered 
track systems that--
        (1) are located underneath the pavement at an airport; and
        (2) allow a transport category aircraft to taxi without the use 
    of the main engines of the aircraft.
    (b) Briefing.--If the Administrator conducts a study under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall provide a briefing to the 
appropriate committees of Congress on the results of such study.
    SEC. 767. PFAS-RELATED RESOURCES FOR AIRPORTS.
    (a) PFAS Replacement Program for Airports.--Not later than 90 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation 
with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall 
establish a program to reimburse sponsors of eligible airports for the 
reasonable and appropriate costs incurred after September 12, 2023, and 
associated with any of the following:
        (1) The one-time initial acquisition by the sponsor of an 
    eligible airport of an approved fluorine-free firefighting agent 
    under Military Specification MIL-PRE-32725, dated January 12, 2023, 
    in a quantity of--
            (A) the capacity of all required aircraft rescue and 
        firefighting equipment listed in the most recent FAA-approved 
        Airport Certification Manual, regardless of how the equipment 
        was initially acquired; and
            (B) twice the quantity carried onboard each required truck 
        available in the fire station for the eligible airport.
        (2) The disposal of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl products, 
    including fluorinated aqueous film-forming agents, to the extent 
    such disposal is necessary to facilitate the transition to such 
    approved fluorine-free firefighting agent, including aqueous film-
    forming agents currently in firefighting equipment and vehicles and 
    any wastewater generated during the cleaning of firefighting 
    equipment and vehicles.
        (3) The cleaning or disposal of existing equipment or 
    components thereof, to the extent such cleaning or disposal is 
    necessary to facilitate the transition to such approved fluorine-
    free firefighting agent.
        (4) The acquisition of any equipment, or components thereof, 
    necessary to facilitate the transition to such approved fluorine-
    free firefighting agent.
        (5) The replacement of any aircraft rescue and firefighting 
    equipment determined necessary to be replaced by the Secretary.
    (b) Distribution of Funds.--
        (1) Grants to replace aircraft rescue and firefighting 
    vehicles.--
            (A) In general.--Of the amounts made available to carry out 
        the PFAS replacement program, the Secretary shall reserve up to 
        $30,000,000 to make grants to each eligible airport that is 
        designated under part 139 as an Index A airport and does not 
        have existing capabilities to produce fluorine-free 
        firefighting foam for the replacement of aircraft rescue and 
        firefighting vehicles.
            (B) Amount.--The maximum amount of a grant made under 
        subparagraph (A) may not exceed $2,000,000.
        (2) Remaining amounts.--
            (A) Determination of need.--With respect to the amount of 
        firefighting foam concentrate required for foam production 
        commensurate with applicable aircraft rescue and firefighting 
        equipment required in accordance with the most recent FAA-
        approved Airport Certification Manual, the Secretary shall 
        determine--
                (i) for each eligible airport, the total amount of such 
            concentrate required for all of the federally required 
            aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles that meet index 
            requirements under part 139, in gallons; and
                (ii) for all eligible airports, the total amount of 
            firefighting foam concentrate, in gallons.
            (B) Determination of grant amounts.--The Secretary shall 
        make a grant to the sponsor of each eligible airport in an 
        amount equal to the product of--
                (i) the amount of funds made available to carry out 
            this section that remain available after the Secretary 
            reserves the amount described in paragraph (1); and
                (ii) the ratio of the amount determined under 
            subparagraph (A)(i) for such eligible airport to the amount 
            determined under subparagraph (A)(ii).
    (c) Program Requirements.--
        (1) In general.--The Secretary shall determine the eligibility 
    of costs payable under the PFAS replacement program by taking into 
    account all engineering, technical, and environmental protocols and 
    generally accepted industry standards that are developed or 
    established for approved fluorine-free firefighting foams.
        (2) Compliance with applicable law.--To be eligible for 
    reimbursement under the program established under subsection (a), 
    the sponsor of an eligible airport shall carry out all actions 
    related to the acquisition, disposal, and transition to approved 
    fluorine-free firefighting foams, including the cleaning and 
    disposal of equipment, in full compliance with all applicable 
    Federal laws in effect at the time of obligation of a grant under 
    this section.
        (3) Federal share.--The Federal share of allowable costs under 
    the PFAS replacement program shall be 100 percent.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
        (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated not 
    more than $350,000,000 to carry out the PFAS replacement program.
        (2) Requirements.--Amounts made available to carry out the PFAS 
    replacement program shall--
            (A) remain available for expenditure for a period of 5 
        fiscal years; and
            (B) be available in addition to any other funding available 
        for similar purposes under any other Federal, State, local, or 
        Tribal program.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Eligible airport.--The term ``eligible airport'' means an 
    airport holding an Airport Operating Certificate issued under part 
    139.
        (2) Part 139.--The term ``part 139'' means part 139 of title 
    14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (3) PFAS replacement program.--The term ``PFAS replacement 
    program'' means the program established under subsection (a).
    SEC. 768. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN ROLLING STOCK PROCUREMENTS.
    (a) In General.--Section 50101 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) by striking ``(except section 47127)'' each place it 
    appears; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Limitation on Certain Rolling Stock Procurements.--
        ``(1) In general.--Financial assistance made available under 
    the provisions described in subsection (a) shall not be used in 
    awarding a contract or subcontract to an entity on or after the 
    date of enactment of this subsection for the procurement of rolling 
    stock for use in an airport-related project if the manufacturer of 
    the rolling stock--
            ``(A) is incorporated in or has manufacturing facilities in 
        the United States; and
            ``(B) is owned or controlled by, is a subsidiary of, or is 
        otherwise related legally or financially to a corporation based 
        in a country that--
                ``(i) is identified as a nonmarket economy country (as 
            defined in section 771(18) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 
            U.S.C. 1677(18))) as of the date of enactment of this 
            subsection;
                ``(ii) was identified by the United States Trade 
            Representative in the most recent report required by 
            section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2242) as a 
            foreign country included on the priority watch list defined 
            in subsection (g)(3) of that section; and
                ``(iii) is subject to monitoring by the Trade 
            Representative under section 306 of the Trade Act of 1974 
            (19 U.S.C. 2416).
        ``(2) Exception.--
            ``(A) In general.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the term 
        `otherwise related legally or financially' does not include--
                ``(i) a minority relationship or investment; or
                ``(ii) relationship with or investment in a subsidiary, 
            joint venture, or other entity based in a country described 
            in paragraph (1)(B) that does not export rolling stock or 
            components of rolling stock for use in the United States.
            ``(B) Corporation based in people's republic of china.--
        Notwithstanding subparagraph (A)(i), for purposes of paragraph 
        (1), the term `otherwise related legally or financially' 
        includes a minority relationship or investment if the 
        relationship or investment involves a corporation based in the 
        People's Republic of China.
        ``(3) International agreements.--This subsection shall be 
    applied in a manner consistent with the obligations of the United 
    States under international agreements.
        ``(4) Waiver.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may waive the limitation 
        described in paragraph (1) using the criteria described in 
        subsection (b).
            ``(B) Notification.--Not later than 10 days after issuing a 
        waiver under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall notify the 
        Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
        Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation of the Senate.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
        (1) Restricting contract awards because of discrimination 
    against united states goods or services.--Section 50102 of title 
    49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``(except section 
    47127)''.
        (2) Restriction on airport projects using products or services 
    of foreign countries denying fair market opportunities.--Section 
    50104(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
    ``(except section 47127)''.
        (3) Fraudulent use of made in america label.--Section 50105 of 
    title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``(except 
    section 47127)''.
    SEC. 769. MAINTAINING SAFE FIRE AND RESCUE STAFFING LEVELS.
    (a) Update to Regulation.--The Administrator shall update the 
regulations contained in section 139.319 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, to ensure that paragraph (4) of such section provides that 
at least 1 individual maintains certification at the emergency medical 
technician basic level, or higher, at a small, medium, or large hub 
airport.
    (b) Staffing Review.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct a review of 
airport environments and related regulations to evaluate sufficient 
staffing levels necessary for firefighting, rescue, and emergency 
medical services and response at airports certified under part 139 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after completing the review 
under subsection (b), the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report containing the results of the review.
    SEC. 770. GRANT ASSURANCES.
    (a) General Written Assurances.--Section 47107(a) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (20) by striking ``and'' at the end;
        (2) in paragraph (21) by striking the period at the end and 
    inserting ``; and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(22) the airport owner or operator may not restrict or 
    prohibit the sale or self-fueling of any 100-octane low lead 
    aviation gasoline for purchase or use by operators of general 
    aviation aircraft if such aviation gasoline was available at such 
    airport at any time during calendar year 2022, until the earlier 
    of--
            ``(A) December 31, 2030; or
            ``(B) the date on which the airport or any retail fuel 
        seller at such airport makes available an unleaded aviation 
        gasoline that--
                ``(i) has been authorized for use by the Administrator 
            of the Federal Aviation Administration as a replacement for 
            100-octane low lead aviation gasoline for use in nearly all 
            piston-engine aircraft and engine models; and
                ``(ii) meets either an industry consensus standard or 
            other standard that facilitates the safe use, production, 
            and distribution of such unleaded aviation gasoline, as 
            determined appropriate by the Administrator.''.
    (b) Civil Penalties for Grant Assurances Violations.--Section 
46301(a) of title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
        (1) in paragraph (1)(A) by inserting ``section 47107(a)(22) 
    (including any assurance made under such section),'' after 
    ``chapter 451,''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(8) Failure to Continue Offering Aviation Fuel.--Notwithstanding 
paragraph (1), the maximum civil penalty for a violation of section 
47107(a)(22) (including any assurance made under such section) 
committed by a person, including if the person is an individual or a 
small business concern, shall be $5,000 for each day that the person is 
in violation of that section.''.
    SEC. 771. AVIATION FUEL IN ALASKA.
    (a) In General.--
        (1) Prohibition on restriction of fuel usage or availability.--
    The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the 
    Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall not 
    restrict the continued use or availability of 100-octane low lead 
    aviation gasoline in the State of Alaska until the earlier of--
            (A) December 31, 2032; or
            (B) 6 months after the date on which the Administrator of 
        the Federal Aviation Administration finds that an unleaded 
        aviation fuel is widely commercially available at airports 
        throughout the State of Alaska that--
                (i) has been authorized for use by the Administrator of 
            the Federal Aviation Administration as a replacement for 
            100-octane low lead aviation gasoline; and
                (ii) meets either an industry consensus standard or 
            other standard that facilitates and ensures the safe use, 
            production, and distribution of such unleaded aviation 
            fuel.
        (2) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section shall limit the 
    authority of the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
    Administration or the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
    Agency to address the endangerment to public health and welfare 
    posed by lead emissions--
            (A) in the United States outside of the State of Alaska; or
            (B) within the State of Alaska after the date specified in 
        paragraph (1).
    (b) GAO Report on Transitioning to Unleaded Aviation Fuel in the 
State of Alaska.--
        (1) Evaluation.--The Comptroller General of the United States 
    shall conduct an evaluation of the following:
            (A) The aircraft, routes, and supply chains in the State of 
        Alaska utilizing leaded aviation gasoline, including 
        identification of remote and rural communities that rely upon 
        leaded aviation gasoline.
            (B) The estimated costs and benefits of transitioning 
        aircraft and the supply chain in the State of Alaska to 
        aviation fuel that meets the requirements described in clauses 
        (i) and (ii) of section 47107(a)(22)(B) of title 49, United 
        States Code, as added by section 770, including direct costs of 
        new aircraft and equipment and indirect costs, including 
        transportation from refineries to markets, foreign imports, and 
        changes in leaded aviation gasoline prices as a result of 
        reduced supply.
            (C) The programs of the Environmental Protection Agency, 
        the Federal Aviation Administration, and other government 
        agencies that can be utilized to assist individuals, 
        communities, industries, and the State of Alaska with the costs 
        described in subparagraph (B).
            (D) A reasonable time frame to permit any limitation on 
        100-octane low-lead aviation gasoline in the State of Alaska.
            (E) Other logistical considerations associated with the 
        transition described in subparagraph (B).
        (2) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
    of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit a report 
    containing the results of the evaluation conducted under paragraph 
    (1) to--
            (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
        of the Senate;
            (B) the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the 
        Senate;
            (C) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
        the House of Representatives; and
            (D) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of 
        Representatives.
    SEC. 772. APPLICATION OF AMENDMENTS.
    The amendments to the Airport Improvement Program apportionment and 
discretionary formulas under chapter 471 of title 49, United States 
Code, made by this Act (except as they relate to the extension of 
provisions or authorities expiring on May 10, 2024, or May 11, 2024) 
shall not apply in a fiscal year beginning before the date of enactment 
of this Act.
    SEC. 773. PROHIBITION ON USE OF AMOUNTS TO PROCESS OR ADMINISTER 
      ANY APPLICATION FOR THE JOINT USE OF HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE 
      WITH CIVIL AVIATION.
    No amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the Federal 
Aviation Administration for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 may be used 
to process or administer any application for the joint use of Homestead 
Air Reserve Base, Homestead, Florida, by the Air Force and civil 
aircraft.
    SEC. 774. UNIVERSAL CHANGING STATION.
    (a) Grant Assurances.--Section 47107 of title 49, United States 
Code, as amended by section 743(b)(2), is further amended by adding at 
the end the following:
    ``(y) Universal Changing Station.--
        ``(1) In general.--In fiscal year 2030 and each fiscal year 
    thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation may approve an 
    application under this subchapter for an airport development 
    project grant only if the Secretary receives written assurances 
    that the airport owner or operator will install or maintain (in 
    compliance with the requirements of section 35.133 of title 28, 
    Code of Federal Regulations), as applicable--
            ``(A) at least 1 private, single-use room with a universal 
        changing station that--
                ``(i) meets the standards established under paragraph 
            (2)(A); and
                ``(ii) is accessible to all individuals for purposes of 
            use by an individual with a disability in each passenger 
            terminal building of the airport; and
            ``(B) signage at or near the entrance to the changing 
        station indicating the location of the changing station.
        ``(2) Standards required.--Not later than 2 years after the 
    date of enactment of this subsection, the United States Access 
    Board shall--
            ``(A) establish--
                ``(i) comprehensive accessible design standards for 
            universal changing tables; and
                ``(ii) standards on the privacy, accessibility, and 
            sanitation equipment of the room in which such table is 
            located, required to be installed, or maintained under this 
            subsection; and
            ``(B) in establishing the standards under subparagraph (A), 
        consult with entities with appropriate expertise relating to 
        the use of universal changing stations used by individuals with 
        disabilities.
        ``(3) Applicability.--
            ``(A) Airport size.--The requirement in paragraph (1) shall 
        only apply to applications submitted by the airport sponsor of 
        a medium or large hub airport.
            ``(B) Special rule.--The requirement in paragraph (1) shall 
        not apply with respect to a project grant application for a 
        period of time, determined by the Secretary, if the Secretary 
        determines that construction or maintenance activities make it 
        impracticable or unsafe for the universal changing station to 
        be located in the sterile area of the building.
        ``(4) Exception.--Upon application by an airport sponsor, the 
    Secretary may determine that a universal changing station in 
    existence before the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization 
    Act of 2024, complies with the requirements of paragraph (1) 
    (including the standards established under paragraph (2)(A)), 
    notwithstanding the absence of 1 or more of the standards or 
    characteristics required under such paragraph.
        ``(5) Definition.--In this section:
            ``(A) Disability.--The term `disability' has the meaning 
        given that term in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities 
        Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).
            ``(B) Sterile area.--The term `sterile area' has the same 
        meaning given that term in section 1540.5 of title 49, Code of 
        Federal Regulations.
            ``(C) Universal changing station.--The term `universal 
        changing station' means a universal or adult changing station 
        that meets the standards established by the United States 
        Access Board under paragraph (2)(A).
            ``(D) United states access board.--The term `United States 
        Access Board' means the Architectural and Transportation 
        Barriers Compliance Board established under section 502(a)(1) 
        of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 792(a)(1)).''.
    (b) Terminal Development Costs.--Section 47119(a) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
        ``(4) Universal changing stations.--In addition to the projects 
    described in paragraph (1), the Secretary may approve a project for 
    terminal development for the construction or installation of a 
    universal changing station (as defined in section 47107(y)) at a 
    commercial service airport.''.
SEC. 774A. AIRPORT HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION GRANTS.
    (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a grant program to 
provide grants to airports described in subsection (b)(1) to address 
human trafficking awareness, education, and prevention efforts, 
including by--
        (1) coordinating human trafficking prevention efforts across 
    multimodal transportation operations within a community; and
        (2) accomplishing the best practices and recommendations 
    provided by the Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on 
    Human Trafficking.
    (b) Distribution.--
        (1) In general.--The Secretary shall distribute amounts made 
    available for grants under this section to--
            (A) the 75 airports in the United States with the highest 
        number of passenger enplanements annually, based on the most 
        recent data available; and
            (B) as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, an 
        airport not described in subparagraph (A) that serves an area 
        with a high prevalence of human trafficking, on application of 
        the airport.
        (2) Priority; considerations.--In distributing amounts made 
    available for grants under this section, the Secretary shall--
            (A) give priority in grant amounts to airports referred to 
        in paragraph (1) that serve regions with a higher prevalence of 
        human trafficking; and
            (B) take into consideration the effect the amounts would 
        have on surrounding areas.
        (3) Consultation.--In distributing amounts made available for 
    grants under this section, the Secretary shall consult with the 
    Department of Transportation Advisory Committee on Human 
    Trafficking in determining the amounts to be distributed to each 
    grant recipient to ensure the best use of the funds.
    (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028.
SEC. 774B. STUDY ON IMPROVEMENTS FOR CERTAIN NONHUB AIRPORTS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study on the 
challenges faced by nonhub airports not designated as essential air 
service communities and recommend ways to help secure and retain flight 
schedules using existing Federal programs, such as the Small Community 
Air Service Development program.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this section, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted 
under subsection (a), including recommendations for such legislation 
and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines 
appropriate.

                 Subtitle B--Passenger Facility Charges

    SEC. 775. ADDITIONAL PERMITTED USES OF PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE 
      REVENUE.
    Section 40117(a)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
            ``(H) A project at a small hub airport for a noise barrier 
        where the day-night average sound level from commercial, 
        general aviation, or cargo operations is expected to exceed 55 
        decibels as a result of new airport development.
            ``(I) A project for the replacement of existing workspace 
        elements (including any associated in-kind facility or 
        equipment within or immediately adjacent to a terminal 
        development or renovation project at such airport) related to 
        the relocation of a Federal agency on airport grounds due to 
        such terminal development or renovation project for which 
        development costs are eligible costs under this section.''.
    SEC. 776. PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE STREAMLINING.
    (a) In General.--Section 40117 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) in subsection (b)--
            (A) in paragraph (1)--
                (i) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting 
            ``Except as provided under subsection (l), the Secretary''; 
            and
                (ii) by striking ``$1, $2, or $3'' and inserting ``$1, 
            $2, $3, $4, or $4.50'';
            (B) by striking paragraph (4);
            (C) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (7) as 
        paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively;
            (D) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
                (i) by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (4)'' and 
            inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
                (ii) by striking ``paragraph (1) or (4)'' and inserting 
            ``paragraph (1)''; and
            (E) in paragraph (6)(A), as so redesignated--
                (i) by striking ``paragraphs (1), (4), and (6)'' and 
            inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (5)''; and
                (ii) by striking ``paragraph (1) or (4)'' and inserting 
            ``paragraph (1)'';
        (2) in subsection (e)(1)--
            (A) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``or a passenger 
        facility charge imposition is authorized under subsection (l)'' 
        after ``of this section''; and
            (B) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``reasonable'' after 
        ``subject to''; and
        (3) in subsection (l)--
            (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Pilot Program 
        for Passenger Facility Charge Authorizations'' and inserting 
        ``Passenger Facility Charge Streamlining'';
            (B) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
        ``(1) In general.--
            ``(A) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe 
        regulations to streamline the process for authorizing eligible 
        agencies for airports to impose passenger facility charges.
            ``(B) Passenger facility charge.--An eligible agency may 
        impose a passenger facility charge of $1, $2, $3, $4, or $4.50 
        in accordance with the provisions of this subsection instead of 
        using the procedures otherwise provided in this section.'';
            (C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
        ``(4) Acknowledgment of receipt and indication of objection.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall acknowledge receipt 
        of the notice and indicate any objection to the imposition of a 
        passenger facility charge under this subsection for any project 
        identified in the notice within 60 days after receipt of the 
        eligible agency's notice.
            ``(B) Prohibited objection.--The Secretary may not object 
        to an eligible airport-related project that received Federal 
        financial assistance for airport development, terminal 
        development, airport planning, or for the purposes of noise 
        compatibility, if the Federal financial assistance and 
        passenger facility charge collection (including interest and 
        other returns on the revenue) do not exceed the total cost of 
        the project.
            ``(C) Allowed objection.--The Secretary may only object to 
        the imposition of a passenger facility charge under this 
        subsection for a project that--
                ``(i) establishes significant policy precedent;
                ``(ii) raises significant legal issues;
                ``(iii) garners significant controversy, as evidenced 
            by significant opposition to the proposed action by the 
            applicant or other airport authorities, airport users, 
            governmental agencies, elected officials, or communities;
                ``(iv) raises significant revenue diversion, airport 
            noise, or access issues, including compliance with section 
            47111(e) or subchapter II of chapter 475;
                ``(v) includes multimodal components; or
                ``(vi) serves no aeronautical purpose.'';
            (D) by striking paragraph (6); and
            (E) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (6).
    (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking to 
implement the amendments made by subsection (a).
    (c) Interim Guidance.--The interim guidance established in the 
memorandum of the FAA titled ``PFC 73-20. Streamlined Procedures for 
Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Authorizations at Small-, Medium-, and 
Large-Hub Airports'', issued on January 22, 2020, including any 
modification to such guidance necessary to conform with the amendments 
made by subsection (a), shall remain in effect until the effective date 
of the final rule issued under subsection (b).

     Subtitle C--Noise And Environmental Programs And Streamlining

    SEC. 781. STREAMLINING CONSULTATION PROCESS.
    Section 47101(h) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``shall'' and inserting ``may''.
    SEC. 782. REPEAL OF BURDENSOME EMISSIONS CREDIT REQUIREMENTS.
    Section 47139 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
                (i) by striking ``airport sponsors receive'' and 
            inserting ``airport sponsors may receive'';
                (ii) by striking ``carrying out projects'' and 
            inserting ``carrying out projects, including projects''; 
            and
                (iii) by striking ``conditions'' and inserting 
            ``considerations''; and
            (B) in paragraph (2)--
                (i) by striking ``airport sponsor'' and inserting 
            ``airport sponsor, including for an airport outside of a 
            nonattainment area or maintenance area,'';
                (ii) by striking ``only'';
                (iii) by striking ``or as offsets'' and inserting ``, 
            as offsets''; and
                (iv) by striking the period at the end and inserting 
            ``, or as part of a State implementation plan.'';
        (2) by striking subsection (b); and
        (3) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
    SEC. 783. EXPEDITED ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND ONE FEDERAL DECISION.
    Section 47171 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
                (i) by striking ``develop and''; and
                (ii) by striking ``projects at congested airports'' and 
            all that follows through ``aviation security projects'' and 
            inserting ``projects, terminal development projects, 
            general aviation airport construction or improvement 
            projects, and aviation safety projects''; and
            (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``better'' and inserting 
        ``streamlined'';
        (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Aviation Projects Subject to a Streamlined Environmental 
Review Process.--
        ``(1) In general.--Any airport capacity enhancement project, 
    terminal development project, or general aviation airport 
    construction or improvement project shall be subject to the 
    coordinated and expedited environmental review process requirements 
    set forth in this section.
        ``(2) Project designation criteria.--
            ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may designate an aviation 
        safety project for priority environmental review.
            ``(B) Requirements.--A designated project shall be subject 
        to the coordinated and expedited environmental review process 
        requirements set forth in this section.
            ``(C) Guidelines.--
                ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall establish 
            guidelines for the designation of an aviation safety 
            project or aviation security project for priority 
            environmental review.
                ``(ii) Consideration.--Guidelines established under 
            clause (i) shall provide for consideration of--

                    ``(I) the importance or urgency of the project;
                    ``(II) the potential for undertaking the 
                environmental review under existing emergency 
                procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act 
                of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);
                    ``(III) the need for cooperation and concurrent 
                reviews by other Federal or State agencies; and
                    ``(IV) the prospect for undue delay if the project 
                is not designated for priority review.'';

        (3) in subsection (c) by striking ``an airport capacity 
    enhancement project at a congested airport or a project designated 
    under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a project described or 
    designated under subsection (b)'';
        (4) in subsection (d) by striking ``each airport capacity 
    enhancement project at a congested airport or a project designated 
    under subsection (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a project described or 
    designated under subsection (b)'';
        (5) in subsection (h) by striking ``designated under subsection 
    (b)(3)'' and all that follows through ``congested airports'' and 
    inserting ``described in subsection (b)(1)'';
        (6) in subsection (j)--
            (A) by striking ``For any'' and inserting the following:
        ``(1) In general.--For any''; and
            (B) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(2) Deadline.--The Secretary shall define the purpose and 
    need of a project not later than 45 days after--
            ``(A) the submission of the appropriately completed 
        proposed purpose and need description of the airport sponsor; 
        and
            ``(B) any appropriately completed proposed revision to a 
        development project that affects the purpose and need 
        description previously prepared or accepted by the Federal 
        Aviation Administration.
        ``(3) Assistance.--The Secretary shall provide all airport 
    sponsors with technical assistance in drafting purpose and need 
    statements and necessary supporting documentation for projects 
    involving Federal approvals from more than 1 Federal agency.'';
        (7) in subsection (k)--
            (A) by striking ``an airport capacity enhancement project 
        at a congested airport or a project designated under subsection 
        (b)(3)'' and inserting ``a project described or designated 
        under subsection (b)'';
            (B) by striking ``project shall consider'' and inserting 
        the following: ``project shall--
        ``(1) consider'';
            (C) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; 
        and''; and
            (D) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(2) limit the comments of the agency to--
            ``(A) subject matter areas within the special expertise of 
        the agency; and
            ``(B) changes necessary to ensure the agency is carrying 
        out the obligations of that agency under the National 
        Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and 
        other applicable law.'';
        (8) in subsection (l) by striking the period at the end and 
    inserting ``and section 1503 of title 40, Code of Federal 
    Regulations.''; and
        (9) by striking subsection (m) and inserting the following:
    ``(m) Coordination and Schedule.--
        ``(1) Coordination plan.--
            ``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
        publication of a notice of intent to prepare an environmental 
        impact statement or the initiation of an environmental 
        assessment, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish a 
        plan for coordinating public and agency participation in and 
        comment on the environmental review process for a project 
        described or designated under subsection (b). The coordination 
        plan may be incorporated into a memorandum of understanding.
            ``(B) Cloud-based, interactive digital platforms.--The 
        Secretary is encouraged to utilize cloud-based, interactive 
        digital platforms to meet community engagement and agency 
        coordination requirements under subparagraph (A).
            ``(C) Schedule.--
                ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall establish as 
            part of such coordination plan, after consultation with and 
            the concurrence of each participating agency for the 
            project and with the State in which the project is located 
            (and, if the State is not the project sponsor, with the 
            project sponsor), a schedule for--

                    ``(I) interim milestones and deadlines for agency 
                activities necessary to complete the environmental 
                review; and
                    ``(II) completion of the environmental review 
                process for the project.

                ``(ii) Factors for consideration.--In establishing the 
            schedule under clause (i), the Secretary shall consider 
            factors such as--

                    ``(I) the responsibilities of participating 
                agencies under applicable laws;
                    ``(II) resources available to the cooperating 
                agencies;
                    ``(III) overall size and complexity of the project;
                    ``(IV) the overall time required by an agency to 
                conduct an environmental review and make decisions 
                under applicable Federal law relating to a project 
                (including the issuance or denial of a permit or 
                license) and the cost of the project; and
                    ``(V) the sensitivity of the natural and historic 
                resources that could be affected by the project.

                ``(iii) Maximum project schedule.--To the maximum 
            extent practicable and consistent with applicable Federal 
            law, the Secretary shall develop, in concurrence with the 
            project sponsor, a maximum schedule for the project 
            described or designated under subsection (b) that is not 
            more than 2 years for the completion of the environmental 
            review process for such projects, as measured from, as 
            applicable, the date of publication of a notice of intent 
            to prepare an environmental impact statement to the record 
            of decision.
                ``(iv) Dispute resolution.--

                    ``(I) In general.--Any issue or dispute that arises 
                between the Secretary and participating agencies (or 
                amongst participating agencies) during the 
                environmental review process shall be addressed 
                expeditiously to avoid delay.
                    ``(II) Responsibilities.--The Secretary and 
                participating agencies shall--

                        ``(aa) implement the requirements of this 
                    section consistent with any dispute resolution 
                    process established in an applicable law, 
                    regulation, or legally binding agreement to the 
                    maximum extent permitted by law; and
                        ``(bb) seek to resolve issues or disputes at 
                    the earliest possible time at the project level 
                    through agency employees who have day-to-day 
                    involvement in the project.

                    ``(III) Secretary responsibilities.--

                        ``(aa) In general.--The Secretary shall make 
                    information available to each cooperating and 
                    participating agency and project sponsor as early 
                    as practicable in the environmental review 
                    regarding the environmental, historic, and 
                    socioeconomic resources located within the project 
                    area and the general locations of the alternatives 
                    under consideration.
                        ``(bb) Sources of information.--The information 
                    described in item (aa) may be based on existing 
                    data sources, including geographic information 
                    systems mapping.

                    ``(IV) Cooperating and participating agency 
                responsibilities.--Each cooperating and participating 
                agency shall--

                        ``(aa) identify, as early as practicable, any 
                    issues of concern regarding any potential 
                    environmental impacts of the project, including any 
                    issues that could substantially delay or prevent an 
                    agency from completing any environmental review or 
                    authorization required for the project; and
                        ``(bb) communicate any issues described in item 
                    (aa) to the project sponsor.

                    ``(V) Elevation for missed milestone.--If a dispute 
                between the Secretary and participating agencies (or 
                amongst participating agencies) causes a milestone to 
                be missed or extended, or the Secretary anticipates 
                that a permitting timetable milestone will be missed or 
                will need to be extended, the dispute shall be elevated 
                to an official designated by the relevant agency for 
                resolution. The elevation of a dispute shall take place 
                as soon as practicable after the Secretary becomes 
                aware of the dispute or potential missed milestone.
                    ``(VI) Exception.--Disputes that do not impact the 
                ability of an agency to meet a milestone may be 
                elevated as appropriate.
                    ``(VII) Further evaluation.--If a resolution has 
                not been reached at the end of the 30-day period after 
                a relevant milestone date or extension date after a 
                dispute has been elevated to the designated official, 
                the relevant agencies shall elevate the dispute to 
                senior agency leadership for resolution.

            ``(D) Consistency with other time periods.--A schedule 
        under subparagraph (C) shall be consistent with any other 
        relevant time periods established under Federal law.
            ``(E) Modification.--
                ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), 
            the Secretary may lengthen or shorten a schedule 
            established under subparagraph (C) for good cause. The 
            Secretary may consider a decision by the project sponsor to 
            change, modify, expand, or reduce the scope of a project as 
            good cause for purposes of this clause.
                ``(ii) Limitations.--

                    ``(I) Lengthened schedule.--The Secretary may 
                lengthen a schedule under clause (i) for a cooperating 
                Federal agency by not more than 1 year after the latest 
                deadline established for the project described or 
                designated under subsection (b) by the Secretary.
                    ``(II) Shortened schedule.--The Secretary may not 
                shorten a schedule under clause (i) if doing so would 
                impair the ability of a cooperating Federal agency to 
                conduct necessary analyses or otherwise carry out 
                relevant obligations of the Federal agency for the 
                project.

            ``(F) Failure to meet deadline.--If a cooperating Federal 
        agency fails to meet a deadline established under subparagraph 
        (D)(ii)(I)--
                ``(i) the cooperating Federal agency shall, not later 
            than 10 days after failing to meet the deadline, submit to 
            the Secretary a report that describes the reasons why the 
            deadline was not met; and
                ``(ii) the Secretary shall--

                    ``(I) submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
                Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
                Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
                the Senate a copy of the report under clause (i); and
                    ``(II) make the report under clause (i) publicly 
                available on a website of the Department of 
                Transportation.

            ``(G) Dissemination.--A copy of a schedule under 
        subparagraph (C), and of any modifications to the schedule 
        under subparagraph (E), shall be--
                ``(i) provided to all participating agencies and to the 
            State department of transportation of the State in which 
            the project is located (and, if the State is not the 
            project sponsor, to the project sponsor); and
                ``(ii) made available to the public.
        ``(2) Comment deadlines.--The Secretary shall establish the 
    following deadlines for comment during the environmental review 
    process for a project:
            ``(A) For comments by agencies and the public on a draft 
        environmental impact statement, a period of not more than 60 
        days after publication in the Federal Register of notice of the 
        date of public availability of such statement, unless--
                ``(i) a different deadline is established by agreement 
            of the lead agency, the project sponsor, and all 
            participating agencies; or
                ``(ii) the deadline is extended by the lead agency for 
            good cause.
            ``(B) For all other comment periods established by the lead 
        agency for agency or public comments in the environmental 
        review process, a period of not more than 45 days from 
        availability of the materials on which comment is requested, 
        unless--
                ``(i) a different deadline is established by agreement 
            of the Secretary, the project sponsor, and all 
            participating agencies; or
                ``(ii) the deadline is extended by the lead agency for 
            good cause.
        ``(3) Deadlines for decisions under other laws.--In any case in 
    which a decision under any Federal law relating to a project 
    described or designated under subsection (b) (including the 
    issuance or denial of a permit or license) is required to be made 
    by the later of the date that is 180 days after the date on which 
    the Secretary made all final decisions of the lead agency with 
    respect to the project or 180 days after the date on which an 
    application was submitted for the permit or license, the Secretary 
    shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
    of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, 
    Science, and Transportation of the Senate and publish on a website 
    of the Department of Transportation--
            ``(A) as soon as practicable after the 180-day period, an 
        initial notice of the failure of the Federal agency to make the 
        decision; and
            ``(B) every 60 days thereafter until such date as all 
        decisions of the Federal agency relating to the project have 
        been made by the Federal agency, an additional notice that 
        describes the number of decisions of the Federal agency that 
        remain outstanding as of the date of the additional notice.
        ``(4) Involvement of the public.--Nothing in this subsection 
    shall reduce any time period provided for public comment in the 
    environmental review process under existing Federal law, including 
    a regulation.
    ``(n) Concurrent Reviews and Single NEPA Document.--
        ``(1) Concurrent reviews.--Each participating agency and 
    cooperating agency under the expedited and coordinated 
    environmental review process established under this section shall--
            ``(A) carry out the obligations of such agency under other 
        applicable law concurrently, and in conjunction, with the 
        review required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 
        1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), unless doing so would impair the 
        ability of such agency to conduct needed analysis or otherwise 
        carry out such obligations; and
            ``(B) formulate and implement administrative, policy, and 
        procedural mechanisms to enable the agency to ensure completion 
        of the environmental review process in a timely, coordinated, 
        and environmentally responsible manner.
        ``(2) Single nepa document.--
            ``(A) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable and 
        consistent with Federal law, all Federal permits and reviews 
        for a project shall rely on a single environmental document 
        prepared under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
        (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) under the leadership of the Secretary.
            ``(B) Use of document.--
                ``(i) In general.--To the maximum extent practicable, 
            the Secretary shall develop an environmental document 
            sufficient to satisfy the requirements for any Federal 
            approval or other Federal action required for the project, 
            including permits issued by other Federal agencies.
                ``(ii) Cooperation of participating agencies.--In 
            carrying out this subparagraph, other participating 
            agencies shall cooperate with the lead agency and provide 
            timely information.
            ``(C) Treatment as participating and cooperating 
        agencies.--A Federal agency required to make an approval or 
        take an action for a project, as described in this paragraph, 
        shall work with the Secretary to ensure that the agency making 
        the approval or taking the action is treated as being both a 
        participating and cooperating agency for the project.
            ``(D) Exceptions.--The Secretary may waive the application 
        of subparagraph (A) with respect to a project if--
                ``(i) the project sponsor requests that agencies issue 
            separate environmental documents;
                ``(ii) the obligations of a cooperating agency or 
            participating agency under the National Environmental 
            Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) have already 
            been satisfied with respect to the project; or
                ``(iii) the Secretary determines that reliance on a 
            single environmental document (as described in subparagraph 
            (A)) would not facilitate timely completion of the 
            environmental review process for the project.
        ``(3) Participating agency responsibilities.--An agency 
    participating in the expedited and coordinated environmental review 
    process under this section shall--
            ``(A) provide comments, responses, studies, or 
        methodologies on areas within the special expertise or 
        jurisdiction of the agency; and
            ``(B) use the process to address any environmental issues 
        of concern to the agency.
    ``(o) Environmental Impact Statement.--
        ``(1) In general.--In preparing a final environmental impact 
    statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
    U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) for a project described or designated under 
    subsection (b), if the Secretary modifies the statement in response 
    to comments that are minor and are confined to factual corrections 
    or explanations of why the comments do not warrant additional 
    agency response, the Secretary may write on errata sheets attached 
    to the statement instead of rewriting the draft statement, subject 
    to the condition that the errata sheets--
            ``(A) cite the sources, authorities, and reasons that 
        support the position of the agency; and
            ``(B) if appropriate, indicate the circumstances that would 
        trigger agency reappraisal or further response.
        ``(2) Single document.--To the maximum extent practicable, for 
    a project subject to a coordinated review process under this 
    section, the Secretary shall expeditiously develop a single 
    document that consists of a final environmental impact statement 
    and a record of decision, unless--
            ``(A) the final environmental impact statement or record of 
        decision makes substantial changes to the project that are 
        relevant to environmental or safety concerns; or
            ``(B) there is a significant new circumstance or 
        information relevant to environmental concerns that bears on 
        the proposed action or the environmental impacts of the 
        proposed action.
        ``(3) Length of environmental document.--
            ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
        an environmental impact statement shall not exceed 150 pages, 
        not including any citations or appendices.
            ``(B) Extraordinary complexity.--An environmental impact 
        statement for a proposed agency action of extraordinary 
        complexity shall not exceed 300 pages, not including any 
        citations or appendices.
    ``(p) Integration of Planning and Environmental Review.--
        ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (5) and to the maximum 
    extent practicable and appropriate, the following agencies may 
    adopt or incorporate by reference, and use a planning product in 
    proceedings relating to, any class of action in the environmental 
    review process of a project described or designated under 
    subsection (b):
            ``(A) The lead agency for a project, with respect to an 
        environmental impact statement, environmental assessment, 
        categorical exclusion, or other document prepared under the 
        National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
        seq.).
            ``(B) A cooperating agency with responsibility under 
        Federal law with respect to the process for and completion of 
        any environmental permit, approval, review, or study required 
        for a project under any Federal law other than the National 
        Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), if 
        consistent with such Act.
        ``(2) Identification.--If a lead or cooperating agency makes a 
    determination to adopt or incorporate by reference and use a 
    planning product under paragraph (1), such agency shall identify 
    the agencies that participated in the development of the planning 
    products.
        ``(3) Adoption or incorporation by reference of planning 
    products.--Such agency may--
            ``(A) adopt or incorporate by reference an entire planning 
        product under paragraph (1); or
            ``(B) select portions of a planning project under paragraph 
        (1) for adoption or incorporation by reference.
        ``(4) Timing.--The adoption or incorporation by reference of a 
    planning product under paragraph (1) may--
            ``(A) be made at the time the lead and cooperating agencies 
        decide the appropriate scope of environmental review for the 
        project; or
            ``(B) occur later in the environmental review process, as 
        appropriate.
        ``(5) Conditions.--Such agency in the environmental review 
    process may adopt or incorporate by reference a planning product 
    under this section if such agency determines, with the concurrence 
    of the lead agency, if appropriate, and, if the planning product is 
    necessary for a cooperating agency to issue a permit, review, or 
    approval for the project, with the concurrence of the cooperating 
    agency, if appropriate, that the following conditions have been 
    met:
            ``(A) The planning product was developed through a planning 
        process conducted pursuant to applicable Federal law.
            ``(B) The planning product was developed in consultation 
        with appropriate Federal and State resource agencies and Indian 
        Tribes.
            ``(C) The planning process included broad multidisciplinary 
        consideration of systems-level or corridor-wide transportation 
        needs and potential effects, including effects on the human and 
        natural environment.
            ``(D) The planning process included public notice that the 
        planning products produced in the planning process may be 
        adopted during any subsequent environmental review process in 
        accordance with this section.
            ``(E) During the environmental review process, the such 
        agency has--
                ``(i) made the planning documents available for public 
            review and comment by members of the general public and 
            Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments that may have 
            an interest in the proposed project;
                ``(ii) provided notice of the intention of the such 
            agency to adopt or incorporate by reference the planning 
            product; and
                ``(iii) considered any resulting comments.
            ``(F) There is no significant new information or new 
        circumstance that has a reasonable likelihood of affecting the 
        continued validity or appropriateness of the planning product 
        or portions thereof.
            ``(G) The planning product has a rational basis and is 
        based on reliable and reasonably current data and reasonable 
        and scientifically acceptable methodologies.
            ``(H) The planning product is documented in sufficient 
        detail to support the decision or the results of the analysis 
        and to meet requirements for use of the information in the 
        environmental review process.
            ``(I) The planning product is appropriate for adoption or 
        incorporation by reference and use in the environmental review 
        process for the project and is incorporated in accordance with, 
        and is sufficient to meet the requirements of, the National 
        Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and 
        section 1502.21 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
        ``(6) Effect of adoption or incorporation by reference.--Any 
    planning product or portions thereof adopted or incorporated by 
    reference by such agency in accordance with this subsection may 
    be--
            ``(A) incorporated directly into an environmental review 
        process document or other environmental document; and
            ``(B) relied on and used by other Federal agencies in 
        carrying out reviews of the project.
    ``(q) Report on NEPA Data.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a process to 
    track, and annually submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
    Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on 
    Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee 
    on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, and the 
    Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report on 
    projects described in subsection (b)(1) that contains the 
    information described in paragraph (3).
        ``(2) Time to complete.--For purposes of paragraph (3), the 
    NEPA process--
            ``(A) for an environmental impact statement--
                ``(i) begins on the date on which a notice of intent is 
            published in the Federal Register; and
                ``(ii) ends on the date on which the Secretary issues a 
            record of decision, including, if necessary, a revised 
            record of decision; and
            ``(B) for an environmental assessment--
                ``(i) begins on the date on which the Secretary makes a 
            determination to prepare an environmental assessment; and
                ``(ii) ends on the date on which the Secretary issues a 
            finding of no significant impact or determines that 
            preparation of an environmental impact statement is 
            necessary.
        ``(3) Information described.--The information referred to in 
    paragraph (1) is, with respect to the Federal Aviation 
    Administration--
            ``(A) the number of proposed actions for which a 
        categorical exclusion was applied by the Secretary during the 
        reporting period;
            ``(B) the number of proposed actions for which a documented 
        categorical exclusion was applied by the Secretary during the 
        reporting period;
            ``(C) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on 
        which the report is submitted for which the issuance of a 
        documented categorical exclusion by the Secretary is pending;
            ``(D) the number of proposed actions for which an 
        environmental assessment was issued by the Secretary during the 
        reporting period;
            ``(E) the length of time the Administration took to 
        complete each environmental assessment described in 
        subparagraph (D);
            ``(F) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on 
        which the report is submitted for which an environmental 
        assessment is being drafted by the Secretary;
            ``(G) the number of proposed actions for which a final 
        environmental impact statement was completed by the Secretary 
        during the reporting period;
            ``(H) the length of time that the Secretary took to 
        complete each environmental impact statement described in 
        subparagraph (G);
            ``(I) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on 
        which the report is submitted for which an environmental impact 
        statement is being drafted; and
            ``(J) for the proposed actions reported under subparagraphs 
        (F) and (I), the percentage of such proposed actions for 
        which--
                ``(i) project funding has been identified; and
                ``(ii) all other Federal, State, and local activities 
            that are required to allow the proposed action to proceed 
            are completed.
        ``(4) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(A) Environmental assessment.--The term `environmental 
        assessment' has the meaning given such term in section 1508.1 
        of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor 
        regulation).
            ``(B) Environmental impact statement.--The term 
        `environmental impact statement' means a detailed statement 
        required under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
        Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
            ``(C) NEPA process.--The term `NEPA process' means the 
        entirety of the development and documentation of the analysis 
        required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
        (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), including the assessment and analysis 
        of any impacts, alternatives, and mitigation of a proposed 
        action, and any interagency participation and public 
        involvement required to be carried out before the Secretary 
        undertakes a proposed action.
            ``(D) Proposed action.--The term `proposed action' means an 
        action (within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy 
        Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)) under this title that the 
        Secretary proposes to carry out.
            ``(E) Reporting period.--The term `reporting period' means 
        the fiscal year prior to the fiscal year in which a report is 
        issued under subsection (a).''.
    SEC. 784. SUBCHAPTER III DEFINITIONS.
    Section 47175 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (3)(A) by striking ``and'' at the end and 
    inserting ``or'';
        (2) in paragraph (4)--
            (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and'' at the end; and
            (B) in subparagraph (B)--
                (i) by striking ``(B)''; and
                (ii) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as 
            subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively;
        (3) by striking paragraph (5);
        (4) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (1), (4), (2), (6), and 
    (8) as paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6), respectively; 
    and
        (5) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(8) Terminal development.--The term `terminal development' 
    has the meaning given such term in section 47102.''.
    SEC. 785. PILOT PROGRAM EXTENSION.
    Section 190 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 47104 
note) is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``in each fiscal year'' 
    after ``6 projects''; and
        (2) in subsection (i) by striking ``5 years'' and all that 
    follows through the period at the end and inserting ``on October 1, 
    2028.''.
    SEC. 786. PART 150 NOISE STANDARDS UPDATE.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall review and revise, as appropriate, 
part 150 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to reflect all 
relevant laws and regulations, including part 161 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations.
    (b) Outreach.--As part of the review conducted under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall clarify existing and future noise policies 
and standards and seek feedback from airports, airport users, and 
individuals living in the vicinity of airports and in airport adjacent 
communities before implementing any changes to any noise policies or 
standards.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the Administrator shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress regarding the review 
conducted under subsection (a).
    (d) Sunset.--The requirement under subsection (c) shall terminate 
on the earlier of--
        (1) October 1, 2028; or
        (2) the date on which 1 briefing is provided under subsection 
    (c) after the changes in subsection (a) are implemented.
    SEC. 787. REDUCING COMMUNITY AIRCRAFT NOISE EXPOSURE.
    In implementing or substantially revising a flight procedure, the 
Administrator shall consider the following actions (to the extent that 
such actions do not negatively affect aviation safety or efficiency) to 
reduce undesirable aircraft noise:
        (1) Implement flight procedures that can mitigate the impact of 
    aircraft noise, based on a consensus community recommendation.
        (2) Work with airport sponsors and potentially impacted 
    neighboring communities in establishing or modifying aircraft 
    arrival and departure routes.
        (3) In collaboration with local governments, discourage local 
    encroachment of residential or other buildings near airports that 
    could create future aircraft noise complaints or impact airport 
    operations or aviation safety.
    SEC. 788. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.
    (a) Categorical Exclusion for Projects of Limited Federal 
Assistance.--An action by the Administrator to approve, permit, 
finance, or otherwise authorize any airport project that is undertaken 
by the sponsor, owner, or operator of a public-use airport shall be 
presumed to be covered by a categorical exclusion under FAA Order 
1050.1F (or any successor document), if such project--
        (1) receives less than $6,000,000 (as adjusted annually by the 
    Administrator to reflect any increases in the Consumer Price Index 
    prepared by the Department of Labor) of Federal funds or funds from 
    charges collected under section 40117 of title 49, United States 
    Code; or
        (2) has a total estimated cost of not more than $35,000,000 (as 
    adjusted annually by the Administrator to reflect any increases in 
    the Consumer Price Index prepared by the Department of Labor) and 
    Federal funds comprising less than 15 percent of the total 
    estimated project cost.
    (b) Categorical Exclusion in Emergencies.--An action by the 
Administrator to approve, permit, finance, or otherwise authorize an 
airport project that is undertaken by the sponsor, owner, or operator 
of a public-use airport shall be presumed to be covered by a 
categorical exclusion under FAA Order 1050.1F (or any successor 
document), if such project is--
        (1) for the repair or reconstruction of any airport facility, 
    runway, taxiway, or similar structure that is in operation or under 
    construction when damaged by an emergency declared by the Governor 
    of the State with concurrence of the Administrator or for a 
    disaster or emergency declared by the President pursuant to the 
    Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
    U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);
        (2) in the same location with the same capacity, dimensions, 
    and design as the original airport facility, runway, taxiway, or 
    similar structure as before the declaration described in this 
    section; and
        (3) commenced within a 2-year period beginning on the date of a 
    declaration described in this section.
    (c) Extraordinary Circumstances.--The presumption that an action is 
covered by a categorical exclusion under subsections (a) and (b) shall 
not apply if the Administrator determines that extraordinary 
circumstances exist with respect to such action.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to impact any aviation safety authority of the Administrator.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Categorical exclusion.--The term ``categorical exclusion'' 
    has the meaning given such term in section 1508.1(d) of title 40, 
    Code of Federal Regulations.
        (2) Public-use airport; sponsor.--The terms ``public-use 
    airport'' and ``sponsor'' have the meanings given such terms in 
    section 47102 of title 49, United States Code.
    SEC. 789. UPDATING PRESUMED TO CONFORM LIMITS.
    Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to update 
the FAA's list of actions that are presumed to conform to a State 
implementation plan pursuant to section 93.153(f) of title 40, Code of 
Federal Regulations, to include projects relating to the construction 
of aircraft hangars.
    SEC. 790. RECOMMENDATIONS ON REDUCING ROTORCRAFT NOISE IN DISTRICT 
      OF COLUMBIA.
    (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study on 
reducing rotorcraft noise in the District of Columbia.
    (b) Contents.--In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall consider--
        (1) the extent to which military operators consider operating 
    over unpopulated areas outside of the District of Columbia for 
    training missions;
        (2) the extent to which vehicles or aircraft other than 
    conventional rotorcraft (such as unmanned aircraft) could be used 
    for emergency and law enforcement response; and
        (3) the extent to which relevant operators and entities have 
    assessed and addressed, as appropriate, the noise impacts of 
    various factors of operating rotorcraft, including, at a minimum--
            (A) altitude;
            (B) the number of flights;
            (C) flight paths;
            (D) time of day of flights;
            (E) types of aircraft;
            (F) operating procedures; and
            (G) pilot training.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall brief the appropriate 
committees of Congress on preliminary observations, with a report to 
follow at a date agreed upon at the time of the briefing, containing--
        (1) the contents of the study conducted under subsection (a); 
    and
        (2) any recommendations for the reduction of rotorcraft noise 
    in the District of Columbia.
    (d) Relevant Operators and Entities Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``relevant operators and entities'' means--
        (1) the Chief of Police of the Metropolitan Police Department 
    of the District of Columbia;
        (2) any medical rotorcraft operator that routinely flies a 
    rotorcraft over the District of Columbia; and
        (3) any other operator that routinely flies a rotorcraft over 
    the District of Columbia.
    SEC. 791. UFP STUDY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into an 
agreement with the National Academies under which the National Research 
Council shall carry out a study examining airborne ultrafine particles 
and the effect of such particles on airport-adjacent communities.
    (b) Scope of Study.--In carrying out the study under subsection 
(a), the National Research Council shall--
        (1) summarize the relevant literature and studies done on 
    airborne UFPs worldwide;
        (2) focus on large hub airports;
        (3) examine airborne UFPs and the potential effect of such UFPs 
    on airport-adjacent communities, including--
            (A) characteristics of UFPs present in the air;
            (B) spatial and temporal distributions of UFP 
        concentrations;
            (C) primary sources of UFPs;
            (D) the contribution of aircraft and airport operations to 
        the distribution of UFP concentrations compared to other 
        sources;
            (E) potential health effects associated with elevated UFP 
        exposures, including outcomes related to cardiovascular 
        disease, respiratory infection and disease, degradation of 
        neurocognitive functions, and other health effects; and
            (F) potential UFP exposures, especially to susceptible 
        groups;
        (4) consider the concentration of UFPs resulting from various 
    aviation fuel sources including aviation gasoline, sustainable 
    aviation fuel, and hydrogen, to the extent practicable;
        (5) identify measures intended to reduce the release of UFPs; 
    and
        (6) identify information gaps related to understanding 
    potential relationships between UFP exposures and health effects, 
    contributions of aviation-related emissions to UFP exposures, and 
    the effectiveness of mitigation measures.
    (c) Coordination.--The Administrator may coordinate with the heads 
of such other agencies that the Administrator considers appropriate to 
provide data and other assistance necessary for the study.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the National Research 
Council submits of the results of the study to the Administrator, the 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report containing the results of the study carried out under subsection 
(a), including any recommendations based on such study.
    (e) Definition of Ultrafine Particle.--In this section, the terms 
``ultrafine particle'' and ``UFP'' mean particles with diameters less 
than or equal to 100 nanometers.
    SEC. 792. AIRCRAFT NOISE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish an Aircraft 
Noise Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Advisory 
Committee'') to advise the Administrator on issues facing the aviation 
community that are related to aircraft noise exposure and existing FAA 
noise policies and regulations.
    (b) Membership.--The Administrator shall appoint the members of the 
Advisory Committee, which shall be comprised of--
        (1) at least 1 representative of each of--
            (A) engine manufacturers;
            (B) air carriers;
            (C) airport owners or operators;
            (D) aircraft manufacturers;
            (E) advanced air mobility manufacturers or operators; and
            (F) institutions of higher education; and
        (2) representatives of airport-adjacent communities from 
    geographically diverse regions.
    (c) Duties.--The duties of the Advisory Committee shall include--
        (1) the evaluation of existing research on aircraft noise 
    impacts and annoyance;
        (2) the assessment of alternative noise metrics that could be 
    used to supplement or replace the existing Day Night Level 
    standard, in consultation with the National Academies;
        (3) the evaluation of the current 65-decibel exposure 
    threshold, including the impact to land use compatibility around 
    airports if such threshold was lowered;
        (4) the evaluation of current noise mitigation strategies and 
    the community engagement efforts by the FAA with respect to changes 
    in airspace utilization, such as the integration of new entrants 
    and usage of performance-based navigation; and
        (5) other duties determined appropriate by the Administrator.
    (d) Reports.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    establishment of the Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee 
    shall submit to the Administrator a report on any recommended 
    changes to current aviation noise policies.
        (2) Report to congress.--Not later than 180 days after the date 
    the Administrator receives the report under paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
    Congress a report containing the recommendations made by the 
    Advisory Committee.
    (e) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 30 days after 
submission of the report under paragraph (2), the Administrator shall 
brief the appropriate committees of Congress on how the Administrator 
plans to implement recommendations contained in the report and, for 
each recommendation that the Administrator does not plan to implement, 
the reason of the Administrator for not implementing the 
recommendation.
    (f) Consultation.--The Advisory Committee shall consult with other 
relevant Federal agencies, including the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration, in carrying out the duties described in section (c).
    SEC. 793. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION PROGRAM.
    (a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall continue existing 
community engagement activities under the designation of a Community 
Collaboration Program (in this section referred to as the ``Program'').
    (b) Responsibilities.--
        (1) In general.--In carrying out the Program, the Administrator 
    shall facilitate and harmonize, as appropriate, policies and 
    procedures carried out by various offices of the FAA pertaining to 
    community engagement relating to--
            (A) airport planning and development;
            (B) noise and environmental policy;
            (C) NextGen implementation;
            (D) air traffic route changes;
            (E) integration of new and emerging entrants; and
            (F) other topics with respect to which community engagement 
        is critical to program success.
        (2) Specified responsibilities.--In carrying out the Program, 
    the Administrator shall be responsible for--
            (A) updating the internal guidance of the FAA for community 
        engagement based on--
                (i) best practices of other Federal agencies and 
            external organizations with expertise in community 
            engagement;
                (ii) interviews with impacted residents; and
                (iii) recommendations solicited from individuals and 
            local government officials in communities adversely 
            impacted by aircraft noise;
            (B) coordinating with the Air Traffic Organization on 
        community engagement efforts related to air traffic procedure 
        changes to ensure that impacted communities are consulted in a 
        meaningful way;
            (C) coordination with Regional Ombudsmen of the FAA;
            (D) oversight, streamlining, and increasing the 
        responsiveness of the noise complaint process of the FAA by--
                (i) centralizing noise complaint data and improving 
            data collection methodologies;
                (ii) ensuring such Regional Ombudsmen are consulted in 
            local air traffic procedure development decisions; and
                (iii) collecting feedback from such Regional Ombudsmen 
            to inform national policymaking efforts;
            (E) timely implementation of the recommendations, as 
        appropriate, made by the Comptroller General to the Secretary 
        contained in the report titled ``Aircraft Noise: FAA Could 
        Improve Outreach Through Enhanced Noise Metrics, Communication, 
        and Support to Communities'', issued in September 2021 (GAO-21-
        103933) to improve the outreach of the FAA to local communities 
        impacted by aircraft noise, including--
                (i) any recommendations to--

                    (I) identify appropriate supplemental metrics for 
                assessing noise impacts and circumstances for their use 
                to aid in the internal assessment of the FAA of noise 
                impacts related to proposed flight path changes;
                    (II) update guidance to incorporate additional 
                tools to more clearly convey expected impacts, such as 
                other noise metrics and visualization tools; and
                    (III) improve guidance to airports and communities 
                on effectively engaging with the FAA; and

                (ii) any other recommendations included in the report 
            that would assist the FAA in improving outreach to 
            communities affected by aircraft noise;
            (F) ensuring engagement with local community groups as 
        appropriate in conducting the other responsibilities described 
        in this section; and
            (G) other responsibilities as considered appropriate by the 
        Administrator.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the Administrator 
implements the recommendations described in subsection (b)(2)(E), the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress 
describing--
        (1) the implementation of each such recommendation;
        (2) how any recommended actions are assisting the Administrator 
    in improving outreach to communities affected by aircraft noise and 
    other community engagement concerns; and
        (3) any challenges or barriers that limit or prevent the 
    ability of the Administrator to take such actions.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to require the Administrator to alter the organizational 
structure of the FAA nor change the reporting structure of any 
employee.
    SEC. 794. INFORMATION SHARING REQUIREMENT.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall 
establish a mechanism to make helicopter noise complaint data 
accessible to the FAA, to helicopter operators operating in the 
Washington, DC area, and to the public on a website of the FAA, based 
on the recommendation of the Government Accountability Office in the 
report titled ``Aircraft Noise: Better Information Sharing Could 
Improve Responses to Washington, D.C. Area Helicopter Noise Concerns'', 
published on January 7, 2021 (GAO-21-200).
    (b) Cooperation.--Any helicopter operator operating in the 
Washington, DC area shall, to the extent practicable, provide 
helicopter noise complaint data to the FAA through the mechanism 
established under subsection (a).
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Helicopter noise complaint data.--The term ``helicopter 
    noise complaint data''--
            (A) means general data relating to a complaint made by an 
        individual about helicopter noise in the Washington, DC area 
        and may include--
                (i) the location and description of the event that is 
            the subject of the complaint;
                (ii) the start and end time of such event;
                (iii) a description of the aircraft that is the subject 
            of the complaint; and
                (iv) the airport name associated with such event; and
            (B) does not include the personally identifiable 
        information of the individual who submitted the complaint.
        (2) Washington, dc area.--The term ``Washington, DC area'' 
    means the area inside of a 30-mile radius surrounding Ronald Reagan 
    Washington National Airport.
    SEC. 795. MECHANISMS TO REDUCE HELICOPTER NOISE.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study to examine 
ways in which a State, territorial, or local government may mitigate 
the negative impacts of commercial helicopter noise.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General shall consider--
        (1) the varying degree of commercial helicopter operations in 
    different communities; and
        (2) actions that State and local governments have taken, and 
    authorities such governments have used, to reduce the impact of 
    commercial helicopter noise and the success of such actions.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report on the findings of the study conducted 
under subsection (a).

                      TITLE VIII--GENERAL AVIATION

    SEC. 801. REEXAMINATION OF PILOTS OR CERTIFICATE HOLDERS.
    The Pilot's Bill of Rights (Public Law 112-153) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 5. REEXAMINATION OF AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE.
    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall provide timely, written 
notification to an individual subject to a reexamination of an airman 
certificate issued under chapter 447 of title 49, United States Code.
    ``(b) Information Required.--In providing notification under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall inform the individual--
        ``(1) of the nature of the reexamination and the specific 
    activity on which the reexamination is necessitated;
        ``(2) that the reexamination shall occur within 1 year from the 
    date of the notice provided by the Administrator, however, if the 
    reexamination is not conducted within 30 days, the Administrator 
    may restrict passenger carrying operations;
        ``(3) that if such reexamination is not conducted after 1 year 
    from date of notice, the airman certificate of the individual may 
    be suspended or revoked; and
        ``(4) when, as determined by the Administrator, an oral or 
    written response to the notification from the Administrator is not 
    required.
    ``(c) Exception.--Nothing in this section prohibits the 
Administrator from reexamining a certificate holder if the 
Administrator has reasonable grounds--
        ``(1) to establish that an airman may not be qualified to 
    exercise the privileges of a certificate or rating based upon an 
    act or omission committed by the airman while exercising such 
    privileges or performing ancillary duties associated with the 
    exercise of such privileges; or
        ``(2) to demonstrate that the airman obtained such a 
    certificate or rating through fraudulent means or through an 
    examination that was inadequate to establish the qualifications of 
    an airman.
    ``(d) Standard of Review.--An order issued by the Administrator to 
amend, modify, suspend, or revoke an airman certificate after 
reexamination of the airman is subject to the standard of review 
provided for under section 2 of this Act.''.
    SEC. 802. GAO REVIEW OF PILOT'S BILL OF RIGHTS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a study of the implementation of the Pilot's 
Bill of Rights.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall review--
        (1) the implementation and application of the Pilot's Bill of 
    Rights;
        (2) the application of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and 
    the Federal Rules of Evidence to covered proceedings by the 
    National Transportation Safety Board, as required by section 2 of 
    the Pilot's Bill of Rights;
        (3) the appeal process and the typical length of time 
    associated with a final determination in a covered proceeding; and
        (4) any impacts of the implementation of the Pilot's Bill of 
    Rights.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Covered proceeding.--The term ``covered proceeding'' means 
    a proceeding conducted under subpart C, D, or F of part 821 of 
    title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to denial, 
    amendment, modification, suspension, or revocation of an airman 
    certificate.
        (2) Pilot's bill of rights.--The term ``Pilot's Bill of 
    Rights'' means the Pilot's Bill of Rights (Public Law 112-153).
    SEC. 803. DATA PRIVACY.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 441 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44114. Privacy
    ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
including section 552(b)(3) of title 5, the Administrator of the 
Federal Aviation Administration shall establish and update as necessary 
a process by which, upon request of a private aircraft owner or 
operator, the Administrator withholds the registration number and other 
similar identifiable data or information, except for physical markings 
required by law, of the aircraft of the owner or operator from any 
broad dissemination or display (except in furnished data or information 
made available to or from a Government agency pursuant to a government 
contract, subcontract, or agreement, including for traffic management 
purposes) for the noncommercial flights of the owner or operator.
    ``(b) Withholding Personally Identifiable Information on the 
Aircraft Registry.--Not later than 2 years after the enactment of this 
Act and notwithstanding any other provision of law, including section 
552(b)(3) of title 5, the Administrator shall establish a procedure by 
which, upon request of a private aircraft owner or operator, the 
Administrator shall withhold from broad dissemination or display by the 
FAA (except in furnished data or information made available to or from 
a Government agency pursuant to a government contract, subcontract, or 
agreement, including for traffic management purposes) the personally 
identifiable information of such individual, including on a publicly 
available website of the FAA.
    ``(c) ICAO Aircraft Identification Code.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a program 
    for aircraft owners and operators to apply for a new ICAO aircraft 
    identification code.
        ``(2) Limitations.--In carrying out the program described in 
    paragraph (1), the Administrator shall require--
            ``(A) each applicant to attest to a safety or security need 
        in applying for a new ICAO aircraft identification code; and
            ``(B) each approved applicant who obtains a new ICAO 
        aircraft identification code to comply with all applicable 
        aspects of, or related to, part 45 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, including updating an aircraft's registration 
        number and N-Number to reflect such aircraft's new ICAO 
        aircraft identification code.
    ``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
        ``(1) ADS-B.--The term `ADS-B' means automatic dependent 
    surveillance-broadcast.
        ``(2) ICAO.--The term `ICAO' means the International Civil 
    Aviation Organization.
        ``(3) Personally identifiable information.--The term 
    `personally identifiable information' means--
            ``(A) the mailing address or registration address of an 
        individual;
            ``(B) an electronic address (including an email address) of 
        an individual; or
            ``(C) the telephone number of an individual.
            ``(D) the names of the aircraft owner or operator, if the 
        owner or operator is an individual.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 441 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``44114. Privacy.''.

    (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 566 of the FAA Reauthorization 
Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44103 note) and the item relating to such 
section in the table of contents under section 1(b) of such Act are 
repealed.
    SEC. 804. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION NUMBERS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a review of the 
process for reserving aircraft registration numbers to ensure that such 
process offers an equal opportunity for members of the general public 
to obtain specific aircraft registration numbers.
    (b) Assessment.--In conducting the review under subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall assess the following:
        (1) Whether the use of readily available software to prevent 
    computer or web-based auto-fill systems from reserving aircraft 
    registration numbers in bulk would improve participation in the 
    reservation process by the general public.
        (2) Whether a limit should be imposed on the number of 
    consecutive years a person may reserve an aircraft registration 
    number.
    (c) Briefing.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the review conducted under subsection (a), including any 
recommendations of the Administrator to improve equal participation in 
the process for reserving aircraft registration numbers by the general 
public.
    SEC. 805. TIMELY RESOLUTION OF INVESTIGATIONS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of issuance 
of a letter of investigation to any person, as required by section 2(b) 
of the Pilot's Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note), the Administrator 
shall--
        (1) make a determination regarding such investigation and 
    pursue subsequent action; or
        (2) close such investigation.
    (b) Extension.--
        (1) In general.--If, upon review of the facts and status of an 
    investigation described in subsection (a), the Administrator 
    determines that the time provided to make a final determination or 
    close such investigation is insufficient, the Administrator shall 
    approve an extension of such investigation for 2 years.
        (2) Additional extensions.--The Administrator may approve 
    consecutive extensions under paragraph (1).
    (c) Delegation.--The Administrator may not delegate the authority 
to approve an extension described in subsection (b) to anyone other 
than the leadership of the Administration as described in section 
106(b) of title 49, United States Code.
    SEC. 806. ALL MAKES AND MODELS AUTHORIZATION.
    (a) In General.--
        (1) Unlimited letter of authorization.--Not later than 1 year 
    after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
    take such action as may be necessary to allow for the issuance of 
    letters of authorizations to airmen with the authorization for--
            (A) all types and makes of experimental high-performance 
        single engine piston powered aircraft; and
            (B) all types and makes of experimental high-performance 
        multiengine piston powered aircraft.
        (2) Requirements.--An individual who holds a letter of 
    authorization and applies for an authorization described in 
    paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B)--
            (A) shall be given an all-makes and models authorization 
        of--
                (i) experimental single-engine piston powered 
            authorized aircraft; or
                (ii) experimental multiengine piston powered authorized 
            aircraft;
            (B) shall hold the appropriate category and class rating 
        for the authorized aircraft;
            (C) shall hold 3 experimental aircraft authorizations in 
        aircraft of the same category and class rating for the 
        authorization sought; and
            (D) may become qualified in additional experimental 
        aircraft by completing aircraft-specific ground and flight 
        training.
    (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed 
to disallow an individual from being given both an authorization 
described in paragraph (1)(A) and an authorization described in 
paragraph (1)(B).
    (c) Failure to Comply.--
        (1) In general.--If the Administrator fails to implement 
    subsection (a) within the time period prescribed in such 
    subsection, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate 
    committees of Congress on the status of the implementation of such 
    subsection on a monthly basis until the implementation is complete.
        (2) No delegation.--The Administrator may not delegate the 
    briefing described in paragraph (1).
    SEC. 807. RESPONSE TO LETTER OF INVESTIGATION.
     Section 2(b) of the Pilot's Bill of Rights (49 U.S.C. 44703 note) 
is amended by adding at the end the following:
        ``(6) Response to letter of investigation.--
            ``(A) In general.--If an individual decides to respond to a 
        Letter of Investigation described in paragraph (2)(B), such 
        individual may respond not later than 30 days after receipt of 
        such Letter, including providing written comments on the 
        incident to the investigating office.
            ``(B) Construction.--Nothing in this paragraph shall be 
        construed to diminish the authority of the Administrator (as of 
        the day before the date of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization 
        Act of 2024) to take emergency action relating to an airman 
        certificate.''.
    SEC. 808. ADS-B OUT EQUIPAGE STUDY; VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE LINK 
      PROGRAM.
    (a) Study and Briefing on ADS-B Out Equipage.--
        (1) Study.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
    of this Act, the Administrator shall initiate a study to 
    determine--
            (A) the number of aircraft registered in the United States, 
        and any other aerial vehicles operating in the airspace of the 
        United States, that are not equipped with Automatic Dependent 
        Surveillance-Broadcast out equipment (in this section referred 
        to as ``ADS-B out'');
            (B) the requirements for, and impact of, expanding the 
        dual-link architecture that is used below an altitude of flight 
        level 180;
            (C) the costs and benefits of equipage of ADS-B out;
            (D) the costs and benefits of any accommodation made for 
        aircraft with inoperable ADS-B out;
            (E) reasons why aircraft owners choose not to equip or use 
        an aircraft with ADS-B out; and
            (F) ways to further incentivize aircraft owners to equip 
        and use aircraft with ADS-B out.
        (2) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the 
    appropriate committees of Congress on the results of the study 
    conducted under paragraph (1).
    (b) Vehicle-to-vehicle Link Program.--Not later than 270 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination 
with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration and the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission, 
shall establish an interagency coordination program to advance vehicle-
to-vehicle link initiatives that--
        (1) enable the real-time digital exchange of key information 
    between nearby aircraft; and
        (2) are not reliant on ground infrastructure or air-to-ground 
    communication links.
    SEC. 809. ENSURING SAFE LANDINGS DURING OFF-AIRPORT OPERATIONS.
    The Administrator shall not apply section 91.119 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, in any manner that requires a pilot to continue 
a landing that is unsafe.
    SEC. 810. DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-COST VOLUNTARY ADS-B.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall prepare a report on the 
development of a suitable position reporting system for voluntary use 
in covered airspace to facilitate traffic awareness.
    (b) Technical Advice.--In preparing the report under subsection 
(a), the Administrator shall solicit technical advice from 
representatives from--
        (1) industry groups, including pilots, aircraft owners, 
    avionics manufacturers; and
        (2) any others determined necessary by the Administrator.
    (c) Requirements.--In preparing the report under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall--
        (1) research and catalog domestic and international equipment, 
    standards, and systems analogous to ADS-B available as of the date 
    on which the report is completed;
        (2) address strengths and weaknesses of such equipment, 
    standards, and systems, including with respect to cost;
        (3) to enable the development and voluntary use of portable, 
    installed, low-cost position reporting systems for use in covered 
    airspace--
            (A) provide recommendations on any regulatory and 
        procedural changes to be taken by the Administrator or other 
        Federal entities; and
            (B) describe any equipment, standards, and systems that may 
        need to be developed with respect to such reporting systems;
        (4) determine market size, development costs, and barriers that 
    may need to be overcome for the development of technology that 
    enables such position reporting systems in covered airspace; and
        (5) include a communication strategy that--
            (A) targets potential users of such position reporting 
        systems as soon as such technology is available for commercial 
        use; and
            (B) promotes the benefits of the voluntary use in covered 
        airspace of position reporting systems to enhance traffic 
        awareness.
    (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
which the report prepared under subsection (a) is finalized, the 
Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 
the report prepared under subsection (a).
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Covered airspace.--The term ``covered airspace'' means 
    airspace for which the use of ADS-B out equipment on an aircraft is 
    not required under section 91.225 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations,
        (2) ADS-B.--The term ``ADS-B'' means Automatic Dependent 
    Surveillance-Broadcast.
    SEC. 811. AIRSHOW SAFETY TEAM.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator may, as determined necessary 
by the Administration, coordinate with the General Aviation Joint 
Safety Committee to establish an Airshow Safety Team focused on airshow 
and aerial event safety.
    (b) Objective.--The objective of the Airshow Safety Team described 
in subsection (a) shall be to--
        (1) serve as a mechanism for Federal Government and industry 
    cooperation, communication, and coordination on airshow and aerial 
    event safety; and
        (2) reduce airshow and aerial event accidents and incidents 
    through non-regulatory, proactive safety strategies.
    (c) Activities.--In carrying out the objectives pursuant to 
subsection (b), the Airshow Safety Team shall, at a minimum--
        (1) perform an analysis of airshow and aerial event accidents 
    and incidents in conjunction with the Safety Analysis Team;
        (2) publish and update every 2 years after initial publication 
    an Airshow Safety Plan that incorporates consensus based and data 
    driven mitigation measures and non-regulatory safety strategies to 
    improve and promote safety of the public, performers, and airport 
    personnel; and
        (3) engage the airshow and aerial event community to--
            (A) communicate non-regulatory, proactive safety strategies 
        identified by the Airshow Safety Plan to mitigate incidents; 
        and
            (B) discuss best practices to uphold and maintain safety at 
        events.
    (d) Membership.--The Administrator may request the Airshow Safety 
Team be comprised of at least 10 individuals, each of whom shall have 
knowledge or a background in the planning, execution, operation, or 
management of an airshow or aerial event.
    (e) Meetings.--The Airshow Safety Team shall meet at least twice a 
year at the direction of the co-chairs of the General Aviation Joint 
Safety Committee.
    (f) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
require an amendment to the charter of the General Aviation Joint 
Safety Committee.
    SEC. 812. AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION VALIDITY DURING RENEWAL.
    (a) In General.--Section 44103 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Validity of Aircraft Registration During Renewal.--
        ``(1) In general.--An aircraft may be operated on or after the 
    expiration date found on the certificate of registration issued for 
    such aircraft under this section as if it were not expired if the 
    operator of such aircraft has aboard the aircraft--
            ``(A) documentation validating that--
                ``(i) an aircraft registration renewal application form 
            (AC Form 8050-1B, or a succeeding form) has been submitted 
            to the Administrator for such aircraft but not yet approved 
            or denied; and
                ``(ii) such aircraft is compliant with maintenance, 
            inspections, and any other requirements for the aircraft's 
            airworthiness certificate issued under section 44704(d); 
            and
            ``(B) the most recent aircraft registration.
        ``(2) Proof of pending renewal application.--The Administrator 
    shall provide an applicant for renewal of registration under this 
    section with documentation described in paragraph (1)(A). Such 
    documentation shall--
            ``(A) be made electronically available to the applicant 
        immediately upon submitting an aircraft registration renewal 
        application to the Civil Aviation Registry for an aircraft;
            ``(B) notify the applicant of the operational allowance 
        described in paragraph (1);
            ``(C) deem an aircraft's airworthiness certificate issued 
        under section 44704(d) as valid provided that the applicant 
        confirms acknowledgment of the requirements of paragraph 
        (1)(A)(ii);
            ``(D) confirm the applicant acknowledged the limitations 
        described in paragraph (3)(A) and (3)(B); and
            ``(E) include identifying information pertaining to such 
        aircraft and to the registered owner.
        ``(3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall 
    be construed to permit any person to operate an aircraft--
            ``(A) with an expired registration, except as specifically 
        provided for under this subsection; or
            ``(B) if the Administrator has denied an application to 
        renew the registration of such aircraft.''.
    (b) Rulemaking; Guidance.--Not later than 36 months after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule, 
if necessary, and update all applicable guidance and policies to 
reflect the amendment made by this section.
    SEC. 813. TEMPORARY AIRMAN CERTIFICATES.
    Section 44703 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(l) Temporary Airman Certificate.--An individual may obtain a 
temporary airman certificate from the Administrator after requesting a 
permanent replacement airman certificate issued under this section. A 
temporary airman certificate shall be--
        ``(1) made available--
            ``(A) electronically to the individual immediately upon 
        submitting an online application for a replacement certificate 
        to the Administrator; or
            ``(B) physically to the individual at a flight standards 
        district office--
                ``(i) if the individual submits an online application 
            for a replacement certificate; or
                ``(ii) if the individual applies for a permanent 
            replacement certificate other than by online application 
            and such application has been received by the Federal 
            Aviation Administration; and
        ``(2) destroyed upon receipt of the permanent replacement 
    airman certificate from the Administrator.''.
    SEC. 814. LETTER OF DEVIATION AUTHORITY.
    (a) In General.--A flight instructor, registered owner, lessor, or 
lessee of a covered aircraft shall not be required to obtain a letter 
of deviation authority from the Administrator to allow, conduct, or 
receive flight training, checking, and testing in such aircraft if--
        (1) the flight instructor is not providing both the training 
    and the aircraft;
        (2) no person advertises or broadly offers the aircraft as 
    available for flight training, checking, or testing; and
        (3) no person receives compensation for use of the aircraft for 
    a specific flight during which flight training, checking, or 
    testing was received, other than expenses for owning, operating, 
    and maintaining the aircraft.
    (b) Covered Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered 
aircraft'' means--
        (1) an experimental category aircraft;
        (2) a limited category aircraft; and
        (3) a primary category aircraft.
    SEC. 815. BASICMED FOR EXAMINERS ADMINISTERING TESTS OR PROFICIENCY 
      CHECKS.
    (a) Equivalent Pilot-in-command Medical Requirements.--
Notwithstanding section 61.23(a)(3)(iv) of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, an examiner may administer a practical test or proficiency 
check if such examiner meets the medical qualification requirements 
under part 68 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, if the 
operation being conducted is in a covered aircraft, as such term is 
defined in section 2307(j) of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security 
Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note).
    (b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a final rule to update part 
61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to implement the 
requirements under subsection (a), in addition to any related 
requirements the Administrator finds are in the interest of aviation 
safety.
    SEC. 816. DESIGNEE LOCATOR TOOL IMPROVEMENTS.
    Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall ensure that the designee locator search function of 
the public website of the Designee Management System of the 
Administration has the functionality to--
        (1) filter a search for an Aviation Medical Examiner (as 
    described in section 183.21 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations) by sex, if such information is available;
        (2) display credentials and aircraft qualifications of a 
    designated pilot examiner (as described in section 183.23 of such 
    title); and
        (3) display the scheduling availability of a designated pilot 
    examiner (as described in section 183.23 of such title) to 
    administer a test or proficiency check to an airman.
    SEC. 817. DEADLINE TO ELIMINATE AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION BACKLOG.
    Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to reduce 
and maintain the aircraft registration and recordation backlog at the 
Civil Aviation Registry so that, on average, applications are processed 
not later than 10 business days after receipt.
    SEC. 818. PART 135 AIR CARRIER CERTIFICATE BACKLOG.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall take such actions as may 
be necessary to achieve the goal of reducing the backlog of air carrier 
certificate applications under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, to--
        (1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this 
    Act, maintain an average application acceptance or rejection time 
    of less than 60 days; and
        (2) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this 
    Act, maintain an average application acceptance or rejection time 
    of less than 30 days.
    (b) Measures.--In meeting the goal under subsection (a), the 
Administrator may--
        (1) assign, as appropriate, additional personnel or support 
    staff, including on a temporary basis, to review, adjudicate, and 
    approve applications;
        (2) improve and expand promotion of existing applicant 
    resources which could improve the quality of applications submitted 
    to decrease the need for Administration applicant coordination and 
    communications; and
        (3) take into consideration any third-party entity that 
    assisted in the preparation of an application for an air carrier 
    certificate under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations.
    (c) Congressional Briefing.--Beginning 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and not less than every 6 months thereafter 
until the Administrator complies with the requirements under subsection 
(a)(2), the Administrator shall provide a briefing to appropriate 
committees of Congress on the status of the backlog of air carrier 
certificate applications under part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, any measures the Administrator has put in place under 
subsection (b).
    SEC. 819. ENHANCING PROCESSES FOR AUTHORIZING AIRCRAFT FOR SERVICE 
      IN COMMUTER AND ON-DEMAND OPERATIONS.
    (a) Establishment of Working Group.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a part 135 
    aircraft conformity working group (in this section referred to as 
    the ``Working Group'').
        (2) Requirements.--The Working Group shall study methods and 
    make recommendations to clarify requirements and standardize the 
    process for conducting and completing aircraft conformity processes 
    in a timely manner for existing operators and air carriers 
    operating aircraft under part 135 and entering such aircraft into 
    service.
    (b) Membership.--The Working Group shall be comprised of 
representatives of the FAA, existing operators and air carriers 
operating aircraft under part 135, associations or trade groups 
representing such operators or air carriers, and, as appropriate, labor 
groups representing employees of air carriers operating under part 135.
    (c) Duties.--The Working Group shall consider all aspects of the 
FAA processes as of the date of enactment of this Act for ensuring 
aircraft conformity and make recommendations to enhance such processes, 
including with respect to--
        (1) methodologies for air carriers and operators to document 
    and attest to aircraft conformity in accordance with the 
    requirements of part 135;
        (2) streamlined protocols for operators and air carriers 
    operating aircraft under part 135 to add an aircraft that was 
    listed on another part 135 certificate immediately prior to moving 
    to a new air carrier or operator; and
        (3) changes to FAA policy and documentation necessary to 
    implement the recommendations of the Working Group.
    (d) Congressional Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
on which the Administrator establishes the Working Group, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
progress made by the Working Group in carrying out the duties specified 
in subsection (c), recommendations of the Working Group, and the 
efforts of the Administrator to implement such recommendations.
    (e) Definition of Part 135.--In this section, the term ``part 135'' 
means part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 820. FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATES.
    Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall issue a final rule for the rulemaking activity 
titled ``Removal of the Expiration Date on a Flight Instructor 
Certificate'', published in Fall 2022 in the Unified Agenda of Federal 
Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120-AL25) to, at a minimum, 
update part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to--
        (1) remove the expiration date on a flight instructor 
    certificate; and
        (2) replace the requirement that a flight instructor renews 
    their flight instructor certificate with appropriate recent 
    experience requirements for the holder of a flight instructor 
    certificate to exercise the privileges of such certificate.
    SEC. 821. CONSISTENCY OF POLICY APPLICATION IN FLIGHT STANDARDS AND 
      AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION.
    (a) In General.--The inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation shall initiate audits, as described in subsection (d), 
of the Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification Services of the FAA, 
and the personnel of such offices, on the consistency of--
        (1) the interpretation of policies, orders, guidance, and 
    regulations; and
        (2) the application of policies, orders, guidance, and 
    regulations.
    (b) Components.--In completing the audits required under this 
section, the inspector general shall interview stakeholders, including 
at a minimum, individuals or entities that--
        (1) hold a certificate or authorization related to the issue 
    being audited under subsection (d);
        (2) are from different regions of the country with matters 
    before different flight standards district offices or before 
    different FAA Flight Standards Service and Aircraft Certification 
    Service offices;
        (3) work with multiple flight standards district offices or 
    aircraft certification offices of the Administration; or
        (4) hold a single or multiple relevant certificates or 
    authorizations.
    (c) Reports.--The inspector general of the Department of 
Transportation shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress, 
the Secretary, and the Administrator a report for each audit required 
in this section, containing the results of the audit, including 
findings and necessary recommendations to the Administrator to improve 
the consistency of decision-making by Flight Standards and Aircraft 
Certification Services offices of the Administration.
    (d) Audits.--The inspector general shall complete an audit and 
issue the associated report required under subsection (c) not later 
than--
        (1) 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with 
    regard to supplemental type certificates;
        (2) 34 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with 
    regard to repair stations certificated under part 145 of title 14, 
    Code of Federal Regulations; and
        (3) 50 months after the date of enactment of this Act, with 
    regard to technical standards orders.
    (e) Implementation.--In addressing any recommendations from the 
inspector general contained in the reports required under subsection 
(c), the Administrator may--
        (1) maintain an implementation plan; and
        (2) broadly adopt any best practices to improve the consistency 
    of interpretation and application of policies, orders, guidance, 
    and regulations by other offices of the Administration and with 
    regard to other activities of the Administration.
    (f) Briefing.--Not later than 6 months after receiving a report 
required under subsection (c), the Administrator shall brief the 
appropriate committees of Congress on the implementation plan required 
under subsection (d), the status of any recommendation received 
pursuant to this section, and any best practices that are being 
implemented more broadly.
    SEC. 822. APPLICATION OF POLICIES, ORDERS, AND GUIDANCE.
    Section 44701 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(h) Policies, Orders, and Guidance.--
        ``(1) Consistency of application.--The Administrator shall 
    ensure consistency in the application of policies, orders, and 
    guidance of the Administration by--
            ``(A) audits of the application and interpretation of such 
        material by Administration personnel from person to person and 
        office to office;
            ``(B) updating policies, orders, and guidance to resolve 
        inconsistencies and clarify demonstrated ambiguities, such as 
        through repeated inconsistent interpretation; and
            ``(C) ensuring officials are properly documenting findings 
        and decisions throughout a project to decrease the occurrence 
        of duplicative work and inconsistent findings by subsequent 
        officials assigned to the same project.
        ``(2) Alterations.--The Administrator shall consult as 
    appropriate with regulated entities who will be impacted by 
    proposed changes to the content or application of policies, orders, 
    and guidance before making such changes.
        ``(3) Authorities and regulations.--The Administrator shall 
    issue policies, orders, and guidance documents that are related to 
    a law or regulation or clarify the intent of or compliance with 
    specific laws and regulations.''.
    SEC. 823. EXPANSION OF THE REGULATORY CONSISTENCY COMMUNICATIONS 
      BOARD.
    Section 224 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44701 
note) is amended--
        (1) in subsection (c)--
            (A) in paragraph (2) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
        semicolon;
            (B) in paragraph (3) by striking the period and inserting a 
        semicolon; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(4) the Office of Airports;
        ``(5) the Office of Security and Hazardous Materials Safety;
        ``(6) the Office of Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement; and
        ``(7) such other offices as the Administrator determines 
    appropriate.''; and
        (2) in subsection (d)(1)--
            (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``anonymous regulatory 
        interpretation questions'' and inserting ``regulatory 
        interpretation questions, including anonymously,'';
            (B) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``anonymous regulatory 
        interpretation questions'' and inserting ``regulatory 
        interpretation questions, including anonymously''; and
            (C) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(6) Submit recommendations, as needed, to the Assistant 
    Administrator for Rulemaking and Regulatory Improvement for 
    consideration.''.
    SEC. 824. MODERNIZATION OF SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS CERTIFICATION 
      RULEMAKING DEADLINE.
    Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Administrator shall issue a final rule for the rulemaking activity 
titled ``Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification'', 
published in Fall 2022 in the long-term actions of the Unified Agenda 
of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (RIN 2120-AL50).
    SEC. 825. EXCLUSION OF GYROPLANES FROM FUEL SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.
    Section 44737 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking ``rotorcraft'' and inserting ``helicopter'' 
    each place it appears;
        (2) in the heading for paragraph (2) of subsection (a) by 
    striking ``rotorcraft'' and inserting ``helicopter''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Exception.--A helicopter issued an experimental certificate 
under section 21.191 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any 
successor regulations), or operating under a Special Flight Permit 
issued under section 21.197 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations 
(or any successor regulations), is excepted from the requirements of 
this section.''.
    SEC. 826. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT FLIGHT TIME LOGGING ELIGIBILITY.
    (a) Forestry and Fire Protection Flight Time Logging.--
        (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 
    aircraft under the direct operational control of forestry and fire 
    protection agencies are eligible to log pilot flight times, if the 
    flight time was acquired by the pilot while engaged on an official 
    forestry or fire protection flight, in the same manner as aircraft 
    under the direct operational control of a Federal, State, county, 
    or municipal law enforcement agency.
        (2) Retroactive application.--Paragraph (1) shall be applied as 
    if enacted on October 5, 2018.
    (b) Regulations.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make such regulatory 
changes as are necessary to conform to the requirements of this 
section.
    SEC. 827. EAGLE INITIATIVE.
    (a) EAGLE Initiative.--
        (1) In general.--The Administrator shall continue to partner 
    with industry and other Federal Government stakeholders in carrying 
    out the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions Initiative (in 
    this section referred to as the ``EAGLE Initiative'') through the 
    end of 2030.
        (2) FAA responsibilities.--In collaborating with industry and 
    other Government stakeholders to carry out the EAGLE Initiative, 
    the Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary under 
    the authority of the Administrator to facilitate--
            (A) the safe elimination of the use of leaded aviation 
        gasoline by piston-engine aircraft by the end of 2030 without 
        adversely affecting the safe and efficient operation of the 
        piston-engine aircraft fleet;
            (B) the approval of the use of unleaded alternatives to 
        leaded aviation gasoline for use in all piston-engine aircraft 
        types and piston-engine models;
            (C) the implementation of the requirements of section 
        47107(a)(22) of title 49, United States Code, as added by this 
        Act, as such requirements relate to the continued availability 
        of aviation gasoline;
            (D) efforts to make unleaded aviation gasoline that is 
        approved for use in piston-engine aircraft and engines widely 
        available for purchase and use at airports in the National Plan 
        of Integrated Airport Systems; and
            (E) the development of a transition plan to safely enable 
        the transition of the piston-engine general aviation aircraft 
        fleet to unleaded aviation gasoline by 2030, to the extent 
        practicable.
        (3) Activities.--In carrying out the responsibilities of the 
    Administrator pursuant to paragraph (2), the Administrator shall, 
    at a minimum--
            (A) maintain a fleet authorization process for the 
        efficient approval or authorization of eligible piston-engine 
        aircraft and engine models to operate safely using qualified 
        unleaded aviation gasolines;
            (B) review, update, and prioritize, as soon as practicable, 
        certification processes and projects, as necessary, for 
        aircraft engines and modifications to such engines to operate 
        with unleaded aviation gasoline;
            (C) seek to facilitate programs that accelerate the 
        creation, evaluation, qualification, deployment, and use of 
        unleaded aviation gasolines;
            (D) carry out, in partnership with the general aviation 
        community, an ongoing campaign for training and educating 
        aircraft owners and operators on how to safely transition to 
        unleaded aviation gasoline;
            (E) evaluate aircraft and aircraft engines to ensure that 
        such aircraft and aircraft engines can safely operate with 
        unleaded aviation gasoline candidates during cold weather 
        conditions; and
            (F) facilitate the development of agency policies and 
        processes, as appropriate, to support the deployment of 
        necessary infrastructure at airports to enable the distribution 
        and storage of unleaded aviation gasolines.
        (4) Consultation and collaboration with relevant 
    stakeholders.--In carrying out the EAGLE Initiative, the 
    Administrator shall continue to consult and collaborate, as 
    appropriate, with relevant stakeholders, including--
            (A) general aviation aircraft engine, aircraft propulsion, 
        and aircraft airframe manufacturers;
            (B) general aviation aircraft users, aircraft owners, 
        aircraft pilots, and aircraft operators;
            (C) airports and fixed-base operators;
            (D) State, local, and Tribal aviation officials;
            (E) representatives of the petroleum industry, including 
        developers, refiners, producers, and distributors of unleaded 
        aviation gasolines; and
            (F) air carriers and commercial operators operating under 
        part 135 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (5) Report to congress.--
            (A) Initial report.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
        of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
        appropriate committees of Congress a report that--
                (i) contains an updated strategic plan for maintaining 
            a fleet authorization process for the efficient approval 
            and authorization of eligible piston-engine aircraft and 
            engine models to operate using unleaded aviation gasolines 
            in a manner that ensures safety;
                (ii) describes the structure and involvement of all FAA 
            offices that have responsibilities described in paragraph 
            (2); and
                (iii) identifies policy initiatives, regulatory 
            initiatives, or legislative initiatives needed to improve 
            and enhance the timely and safe transition to unleaded 
            aviation gasoline for the piston-engine aircraft fleet.
            (B) Annual briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
        on which the Administrator submits the initial report under 
        subparagraph (A), and annually thereafter through 2030, the 
        Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of 
        Congress on activities and progress of the EAGLE Initiative.
            (C) Sunset.--Subparagraph (B) shall cease to be effective 
        after December 31, 2030.
    (b) Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline.--
        (1) In general.--In developing the transition plan under 
    subsection (a)(2)(E), the Administrator may, at a minimum, assess 
    the following:
            (A) Efforts undertaken by the EAGLE Initiative, including 
        progress towards--
                (i) safely eliminating the use of leaded aviation 
            gasoline by piston-engine aircraft by the end of 2030 
            without adversely affecting the safe and efficient 
            operation of the piston-engine aircraft fleet;
                (ii) approving the use of unleaded alternatives to 
            leaded aviation gasoline for use in all piston-engine 
            aircraft types and piston-engine models; and
                (iii) facilitating efforts to make approved unleaded 
            aviation gasoline that is approved for use in piston-engine 
            aircraft and engines widely available at airports for 
            purchase and use in the National Plan of Integrated Airport 
            Systems.
            (B) The evaluation and development of necessary airport 
        infrastructure, including fuel storage and dispensing 
        facilities, to support the distribution and storage of unleaded 
        aviation gasoline.
            (C) The establishment of best practices for piston-engine 
        aircraft owners and operators, airport operators and personnel, 
        aircraft maintenance technicians, and other appropriate 
        personnel for protecting against exposure to lead containment 
        when--
                (i) conducting fueling operations;
                (ii) disposing of inspected gasoline samples;
                (iii) performing aircraft maintenance; and
                (iv) conducting engine run-ups.
            (D) Efforts to address supply chain and other logistical 
        barriers inhibiting the timely distribution of unleaded 
        aviation gasoline to airports.
            (E) Outreach efforts to educate and update piston-engine 
        aircraft owners and operators, airport operators, and other 
        members of the general aviation community on the potential 
        benefits, availability, and safety of unleaded aviation 
        gasoline.
        (2) Publication; guidance.--Upon completion of developing such 
    transition plan, the Administrator shall--
            (A) make the plan available to the public on an appropriate 
        website of the FAA; and
            (B) provide guidance supporting the implementation of the 
        transition plan.
        (3) Collaboration with eagle initiative.--In supporting the 
    development of such transition plan and issuing associated guidance 
    pertaining to the implementation of such transition plan, the 
    Administrator shall consult and collaborate with individuals 
    carrying out the EAGLE Initiative.
        (4) Unleaded aviation gasoline communication materials.--The 
    Administrator may collaborate with individuals carrying out the 
    EAGLE Initiative to jointly develop and continuously update 
    websites, brochures, and other communication materials associated 
    with such transition plan to clearly convey the availability of 
    unleaded aviation gasoline at airports.
        (5) Briefing to congress.--Not later than 60 days after the 
    publication of such transition plan, the Administrator shall brief 
    the appropriate committees of Congress on such transition plan and 
    any agency efforts or actions pertaining to the implementation of 
    such transition plan.
        (6) Savings clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
    to delay or alter the ongoing work of the EAGLE Initiative 
    established by the Administrator in 2022.
    SEC. 828. EXPANSION OF BASICMED.
    (a) In General.--Section 2307 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44703 note) is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)--
            (A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
        ``(2) the individual holds a medical certificate issued by the 
    Federal Aviation Administration or has held such a certificate at 
    any time after July 14, 2006;'';
            (B) in paragraph (7) by inserting ``calendar'' before 
        ``months''; and
            (C) in paragraph (8)(A) by striking ``5'' and inserting 
        ``6'';
        (2) in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i) by inserting ``(or any successor 
    form)'' after ``(3-99)'';
        (3) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:
    ``(h) Report Required.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator, in 
coordination with the National Transportation Safety Board, shall 
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate a report that describes the effect of the 
regulations issued or revised under subsection (a) and includes 
statistics with respect to changes in small aircraft activity and 
safety incidents.''; and
        (4) by striking subsection (j) and inserting the following:
    ``(j) Covered Aircraft Defined.--In this section, the term `covered 
aircraft' means an aircraft that--
        ``(1) is authorized under Federal law to carry not more than 7 
    occupants;
        ``(2) has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more 
    than 12,500 pounds; and
        ``(3) is not a transport category rotorcraft certified to 
    airworthiness standards under part 29 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations.''.
    (b) Rulemaking.--The Administrator shall update regulations in 
parts 61 and 68 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, as necessary, 
to implement the amendments made by this section.
    (c) Applicability.--Beginning on the date that is 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall apply parts 
61 and 68, Code of Federal Regulations, in a manner reflecting the 
amendments made by this section.
    SEC. 829. PROHIBITION ON USING ADS-B OUT DATA TO INITIATE AN 
      INVESTIGATION.
    Section 46101 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(c) Prohibition on Using ADS-B Out Data to Initiate an 
Investigation.--
        ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this 
    section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
    may not initiate an investigation (excluding a criminal 
    investigation) of a person based exclusively on automatic dependent 
    surveillance-broadcast data.
        ``(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall 
    prohibit the use of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data 
    in an investigation that was initiated for any reason other than 
    the review of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data, 
    including if such investigation was initiated as a result of a 
    report or complaint submitted to the Administrator.''.
    SEC. 830. CHARITABLE FLIGHT FUEL REIMBURSEMENT EXEMPTIONS.
    (a) In General.--
        (1) Validity of exemption.--Except as otherwise provided in 
    this subsection, an exemption from section 61.113(c) of title 14, 
    Code of Federal Regulations, that is granted by the Administrator 
    for the purpose of allowing a volunteer pilot to accept 
    reimbursement from a volunteer pilot organization for the fuel 
    costs and airport fees attributed to a flight operation to provide 
    charitable transportation pursuant to section 821 of the FAA 
    Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) shall 
    be valid for 5 years.
        (2) Failing to adhere.--If the Administrator finds an exemption 
    holder under paragraph (1) or a volunteer pilot fails to adhere to 
    the conditions and limitations of the exemption described under 
    such paragraph, the Administrator may rescind or suspend the 
    exemption.
        (3) No longer qualifying.--If the Administrator finds that such 
    exemption holder no longer qualifies as a volunteer pilot 
    organization, the Administrator shall rescind such exemption.
        (4) Forgoing exemption.--If such exemption holder informs the 
    Administrator that such holder no longer plans to exercise the 
    authority granted by such exemption, the Administrator may rescind 
    such exemption.
    (b) Additional Requirements.--
        (1) In general.--A volunteer pilot organization may impose 
    additional safety requirements on a volunteer pilot without--
            (A) being considered--
                (i) an air carrier (as such term is defined in section 
            40102 of title 49, United States Code); or
                (ii) a commercial operator (as such term is defined in 
            section 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations); or
            (B) constituting common carriage.
        (2) Savings clause.--Nothing in this subsection may be 
    construed to limit or otherwise affect the authority of the 
    Administrator to regulate, as appropriate, a flight operation 
    associated with a volunteer pilot organization that constitutes a 
    commercial operation or common carriage.
    (c) Reissuance of Existing Exemptions.--In reissuing an expiring 
exemption described in subsection (a) that was originally issued prior 
to the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall ensure 
that the reissued exemption--
        (1) accounts for the provisions of this section and section 821 
    of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
    note); and
        (2) is otherwise substantially similar to the previously issued 
    exemption.
    (d) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to--
        (1) affect the authority of the Administrator to exempt a pilot 
    (exercising the private pilot privileges) from any restriction on 
    receiving reimbursement for the fuel costs and airport fees 
    attributed to a flight operation to provide charitable 
    transportation; or
        (2) impose or authorize the imposition of any additional 
    requirements by the Administrator on a flight that is arranged by a 
    volunteer pilot organization in which the volunteer pilot--
            (A) is not reimbursed the fuel costs and airport fees 
        attributed to a flight operation to provide charitable flights; 
        or
            (B) pays a pro rata share of expenses as described in 
        section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Volunteer pilot.--The term ``volunteer pilot'' means a 
    person who--
            (A) acts as a pilot in command of a flight operation to 
        provide charitable transportation pursuant to section 821 of 
        the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
        note); and
            (B) holds a private pilot certificate, commercial pilot 
        certificate, or an airline transportation pilot certificate 
        issued under part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (2) Volunteer pilot organization.--The term ``volunteer pilot 
    organization'' has the meaning given such term in section 821(c) of 
    the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
    note).
    SEC. 831. GAO REPORT ON CHARITABLE FLIGHTS.
    (a) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a review of the 
following:
        (1) Applicable laws, regulations, policies, legal opinions, and 
    guidance pertaining to charitable flights and the operations of 
    such flights, including reimbursement of fuel costs.
        (2) Petitions for exemption from the requirements of section 
    61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for the purpose 
    of allowing a pilot to accept reimbursement for the fuel costs 
    associated with a flight operation to provide charitable 
    transportation pursuant to section 821 of the FAA Modernization and 
    Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), including assessment 
    of--
            (A) the conditions and limitations a petitioner shall 
        comply with if the exemption is granted and whether such 
        conditions and limitations are--
                (i) applied to petitioners in a consistent manner; and
                (ii) commensurate with the types of flight operations 
            exemption holders propose to conduct under any such 
            exemptions;
            (B) denied petitions for such an exemption and the reasons 
        for the denial of such petitions; and
            (C) the processing time of a petition for such an 
        exemption.
        (3) Charitable flights conducted without an exemption from 
    section 61.113(c) of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, 
    including an analysis of the certificates, qualifications, and 
    aeronautical experience of the operators of such flights.
    (b) Consultation.--In carrying out the review initiated under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with charitable 
organizations, including volunteer pilot organizations, aircraft 
owners, and pilots who volunteer to provide transportation for or on 
behalf of a charitable organization, flight safety experts, and 
employees of the FAA.
    (c) Recommendations.--As part of the review initiated under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall make recommendations, as 
determined appropriate, to the Administrator to improve the rules, 
policies, and guidance pertaining to charitable flight operations.
    (d) Report.--Upon completion of the review initiated under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report describing the findings of such review 
and recommendations developed under subsection (c).
    SEC. 832. FLIGHT INSTRUCTION OR TESTING.
    (a) Authorized Additional Pilots.--An individual acting as an 
authorized additional pilot during Phase I flight testing of aircraft 
holding an experimental airworthiness certificate, in accordance with 
section 21.191 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and meeting 
the requirements set forth in FAA regulations and policy in effect as 
of the date of enactment of this Act, shall not be deemed to be 
operating an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or 
hire.
    (b) Use of Aircraft.--An individual who uses, causes to use, or 
authorizes to use aircraft for flights conducted under subsection (a) 
shall not be deemed to be operating an aircraft carrying persons or 
property for compensation or hire.
    (c) Revision of Rules.--The Administrator shall, as necessary, 
issue, revise, or repeal the rules, regulations, guidance, or 
procedures of the FAA to conform to the requirements of this section.
    SEC. 833. NATIONAL COORDINATION AND OVERSIGHT OF DESIGNATED PILOT 
      EXAMINERS.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall establish an office to 
provide oversight and facilitate national coordination of designated 
pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations.
    (b) Responsibilities.--The office described in subsection (a) shall 
be responsible for the following:
        (1) Oversight of designated pilot examiners appointed under 
    section 183.23 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (2) Coordinating with other offices, as appropriate, to support 
    the standardization of policy, guidance, and regulations across the 
    FAA pertaining to the selection, training, duties, and deployment 
    of designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, including evaluating the 
    consistency by which such examiners apply Administration policies, 
    orders, and guidance.
        (3) Evaluating the consistency by which such examiners apply 
    FAA policies, orders, and guidance.
        (4) Coordinating placement and deployment of such examiners 
    across regions based on demand for examinations from the pilot 
    community.
        (5) Developing a code of conduct for such examiners.
        (6) Deploying a survey system to track the performance and 
    merit of such examiners.
        (7) Facilitating an industry partnership to create a formal 
    mentorship program for such examiners.
    (c) Coordination.--In carrying out the responsibilities listed in 
subsection (b), the Administrator shall ensure the office--
        (1) coordinates on an ongoing basis with flight standards 
    district offices, designated pilot examiner managing specialists, 
    and aviation industry stakeholders, including representatives of 
    the general aviation community; and
        (2) considers whether to implement the final recommendations 
    report issued by the Designated Pilot Examiner Reforms Working 
    Group and accepted by the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee on 
    June 17, 2021.
    (d) Report.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter through fiscal 
    year 2028, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
    committees of Congress a report that evaluates the use of 
    designated pilot examiners appointed under section 183.23 of title 
    14, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation), for 
    testing, including both written and practical tests.
        (2) Contents.--The report under paragraph (1) shall include an 
    analysis of--
            (A) the methodology and rationale by which designated pilot 
        examiners are deployed;
            (B) with respect to the previous fiscal year, the average 
        time an individual in each region must wait to schedule an 
        appointment with a designated pilot examiner;
            (C) with respect to the previous fiscal year, the estimated 
        total time individuals in each region were forced to wait to 
        schedule an appointment with a designated pilot examiner;
            (D) the primary reasons and best ways to reduce wait times 
        described in subparagraph (C);
            (E) the number of tests conducted by designated pilot 
        examiners;
            (F) the number and percentage of available designated pilot 
        examiners that perform such tests; and
            (G) the average rate of retests, including of both written 
        and practical tests.
    SEC. 834. PART 135 PILOT SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN REQUIREMENT.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a notice of proposed 
rulemaking concerning whether to revise the requirements under 
paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 135.89(b) of title 14, Code of 
Federal Regulations, to apply only to aircraft operating at altitudes 
above flight level 410.
    (b) Considerations.--In issuing the notice of proposed rulemaking, 
the Administrator shall consider applicable safety data and risks, 
including in relation to applicable incidents and accidents, as well as 
the investigations and recommendations of the National Transportation 
Safety Board.

            TITLE IX--NEW ENTRANTS AND AEROSPACE INNOVATION
                 Subtitle A--Unmanned Aircraft Systems

    SEC. 901. DEFINITIONS.
    Except as otherwise provided, the definitions contained in section 
44801 of title 49, United States Code, apply to this subtitle.
    SEC. 902. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT IN THE ARCTIC.
    (a) In General.--Section 44804 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) in the section heading by striking ``small unmanned'' and 
    inserting ``unmanned''; and
        (2) by striking ``small'' each place it appears.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of such 
title is amended by striking the item relating to section 44804 and 
inserting the following:
``44804. Unmanned aircraft in the Arctic.''.
    SEC. 903. SMALL UAS SAFETY STANDARDS TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
    Section 44805 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in the section heading by striking ``small unmanned'' and 
    inserting ``small unmanned'';
        (2) in subsection (a)(2) by striking ``operation of small'' and 
    inserting ``operation of a small'';
        (3) in subsection (f) by striking ``subsection (h)'' and 
    inserting ``subsection (f)'';
        (4) in subsection (g)(3) by striking ``subsection (h)'' and 
    inserting ``subsection (f)'';
        (5) in subsection (i)(1) by striking ``subsection (h)'' and 
    inserting ``subsection (f)''; and
        (6) by redesignating subsection (e) through (j) as subsections 
    (c) through (h), respectively.
    SEC. 904. AIRPORT SAFETY AND AIRSPACE HAZARD MITIGATION AND 
      ENFORCEMENT.
    Section 44810 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (c) by inserting ``, and any other location 
    the Administrator determines appropriate'' after ``Data''; and
        (2) in subsection (h) by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and 
    inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    SEC. 905. RADAR DATA PILOT PROGRAM.
    (a) Sensitive Radar Data Feed Pilot Program.--Not later than 270 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in 
coordination with the Secretary of Defense, and other heads of relevant 
Federal agencies, shall establish a pilot program to make airspace data 
feeds containing controlled unclassified information available to 
qualified users (as determined by the Administrator), consistent with 
subsection (b).
    (b) Authorization.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and other 
heads of relevant Federal agencies, shall establish a process to 
authorize qualified users to receive airspace data feeds containing 
controlled unclassified information related to air traffic within the 
national airspace system and use such information in an agreed upon 
manner to--
        (1) provide and enable--
            (A) air traffic management services; and
            (B) unmanned aircraft system traffic management services; 
        or
        (2) to test technologies that may enable or enhance the 
    provision of the services described in paragraph (1).
    (c) Consultation.--In establishing the process described in 
subsection (b), the Administrator shall consult with representatives of 
the unmanned aircraft systems industry and related technical groups to 
identify an efficient, secure, and effective format and method for 
providing data described in this section.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after establishing the pilot 
program under subsection (a), and annually thereafter through 2028, the 
Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the 
findings of the pilot program established under this section.
    (e) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on October 1, 
2028.
    SEC. 906. ELECTRONIC CONSPICUITY STUDY.
    (a) In General.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of 
technologies and methods that may be used by operators of unmanned 
aircraft systems to detect and avoid manned aircraft that may lawfully 
operate below 500 feet above ground level and that are--
        (1) not equipped with a transponder or automatic dependent 
    surveillance-broadcast out equipment; or
        (2) otherwise not electronically conspicuous.
    (b) Consultation.--In conducting the study required under 
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall consult with--
        (1) representatives of--
            (A) unmanned aircraft systems manufacturers and operators;
            (B) general aviation operators;
            (C) agricultural aircraft operators;
            (D) helicopter operators; and
            (E) State and local governments; and
        (2) any other stakeholder the Comptroller General determines 
    appropriate.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress a report describing the results of such study.
    SEC. 907. REMOTE IDENTIFICATION ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF COMPLIANCE.
    (a) Evaluation.--The Administrator shall review and evaluate the 
final rule of the FAA titled ``Remote Identification of Unmanned 
Aircraft'', issued on January 15, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 4390), to 
determine whether unmanned aircraft manufacturers and operators can 
meet the intent of such final rule through alternative means of 
compliance, including through network-based remote identification.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress a report on the results of the evaluation under subsection 
(a).
    SEC. 908. PART 107 WAIVER IMPROVEMENTS.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall adopt a performance- and 
risk-based approach in reviewing requests for certificates of waiver 
under section 107.200 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (b) Standardization of Waiver Application.--
        (1) In general.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
    Administrator shall improve the process to submit requests for 
    certificates of waiver described in subsection (a).
        (2) Format.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator 
    may not require the use of open-ended descriptive prompts that are 
    required to be filled out by an applicant, except to provide 
    applicants the ability to provide the FAA with information for an 
    unusual or irregular operation.
        (3) Data.--
            (A) In general.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
        Administrator shall leverage data gathered from previous 
        requests for certificates of waivers.
            (B) Considerations.--In carrying out subparagraph (A), the 
        Administrator shall safely use--
                (i) big data analytics; and
                (ii) machine learning.
    (c) Consideration of Property Access.--
        (1) In general.--In determining whether to issue a certificate 
    of waiver under section 107.200 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, the Administrator shall--
            (A) consider whether the waiver applicant has control over 
        access to all real property on the ground within the area of 
        operation; and
            (B) recognize and account for the safety enhancements of 
        such controlled access.
        (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be 
    construed to influence the extent to which the Administrator 
    considers a lack of control over access to all real property on the 
    ground within an area of operation as affecting the safety of an 
    operation intended to be conducted under such certificate of 
    waiver.
    (d) Public Availability of Waivers.--
        (1) In general.--The Administrator shall publish all 
    certificates of waiver issued under section 107.200 of title 14, 
    Code of Federal Regulations, on the website of the FAA, including, 
    with respect to each issued certificate of waiver--
            (A) the terms, conditions, and limitations; and
            (B) the class of airspace and any restrictions related to 
        operating near airports or heliports.
        (2) Publication.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the 
    Administrator shall ensure that published information is made 
    available in a manner that prevents inappropriate disclosure of 
    proprietary information.
    (e) Precedential Use of Previously Approved Waivers.--
        (1) Waiver approval precedent.--If the Administrator 
    determines, using criteria for a particular waiver, that an 
    application for a certificate of waiver issued under section 
    107.200 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, is substantially 
    similar (or is comprised of elements that are substantially 
    similar) to an application for a certificate of waiver that the 
    Administrator has previously approved, the Administrator may 
    streamline, as appropriate, the approval of applications for such a 
    particular waiver.
        (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be 
    construed to preclude an applicant for a certificate of waiver from 
    applying to modify a condition or remove a limitation of such 
    certificate.
    (f) Modification of Waivers.--
        (1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish an expedited 
    review process for a request to modify or renew certificates of 
    waiver previously issued under section 107.200 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations, as appropriate.
        (2) Use of review process.--The review process established 
    under paragraph (1) shall be used to modify or renew certificates 
    of waiver that cover operations that are substantially similar in 
    all material facts to operations covered under a previously issued 
    certificate of waiver.
    SEC. 909. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND NOISE CERTIFICATION.
    (a) National Environmental Policy Act Guidance.--Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
publish unmanned aircraft system-specific environmental review guidance 
and implementation procedures and, thereafter, revise such guidance and 
procedures as appropriate to carry out the requirements of this 
section.
    (b) Prioritization.--The guidance and procedures established by the 
Administrator under subsection (a) shall include processes that allow 
for the prioritization of project applications and activities that--
        (1) offset or limit the impacts of non-zero emission 
    activities;
        (2) offset or limit the release of environmental pollutants to 
    soil or water; or
        (3) demonstrate other factors that benefit human safety or the 
    environment, as determined by the Administrator.
    (c) Programmatic Level Approach to NEPA Review.--Not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
examine and integrate programmatic-level approaches to the requirements 
of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.) by which the Administrator can--
        (1) leverage an environmental review for unmanned aircraft 
    operations within a defined geographic region, including within and 
    over commercial sites, industrial sites, or other sites closed or 
    restricted to the public; and
        (2) leverage an environmental assessment or environmental 
    impact statement for nationwide programmatic approaches for large 
    scale distributed unmanned aircraft operations.
    (d) Developing 1 or More Categorical Exclusions.--
        (1) In general.--The Administrator shall engage in periodic 
    consultations with the Council on Environmental Quality to identify 
    actions that are appropriate for a new categorical exclusion and 
    shall incorporate such actions in FAA Order 1050.1F (or successor 
    order) as considered appropriate by the Administrator to more 
    easily allow for safe commercial operations of unmanned aircraft.
        (2) Prior operations.--The Administrator shall review existing 
    categorical exclusions for applicability to unmanned aircraft 
    operations in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
    of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and subchapter A of chapter V of 
    title 40, Code of Federal Regulations.
    (e) Briefing.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the plan of the Administrator to implement subsection 
(a).
    (f) Nonapplication of Noise Certification Requirements Pending 
Standards Development.--
        (1) In general.--Notwithstanding the requirements of section 
    44715 of title 49, United States Code, the Administrator shall--
            (A) waive the determination of compliance with part 36 of 
        title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, for an applicant seeking 
        unmanned aircraft type and airworthiness certifications; and
            (B) not deny, withhold, or delay such certifications due to 
        the absence of a noise certification basis under such part, if 
        the Administrator has developed appropriate noise measurement 
        procedures for unmanned aircraft and the Administrator has 
        received from the applicant the noise measurement results based 
        on such procedures.
        (2) Duration.--The nonapplication of the noise certification 
    requirements under paragraph (1) shall continue until the 
    Administrator finalizes the noise certification requirements for 
    unmanned aircraft in part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, or another part of title 14 of such Code, as required 
    under paragraph (3).
        (3) Associated uas certification standards.--
            (A) Development of criteria.--Not later than 18 months 
        after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator 
        shall develop and establish substantive criteria and standard 
        metrics to determine whether to approve an unmanned aircraft 
        pursuant to part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
            (B) Substantive criteria and standard metrics.--In 
        establishing the substantive criteria and standard metrics 
        under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall include 
        criteria and metrics related to the noise impacts of an 
        unmanned aircraft.
            (C) Publication.--The Administrator shall publish in the 
        Federal Register and post on the website of the FAA the 
        criteria and metrics established under subparagraph (A).
    (g) Concurrent Reviews.--If the Administrator determines that the 
design, construction, maintenance and operational sustainability, 
airworthiness approval, or operational approval of an unmanned aircraft 
require environmental assessments, including under the requirements of 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 
the Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, conduct 
such reviews and analyses concurrently.
    (h) Third-party Support.--In implementing subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall allow for the engagement of approved specialized 
third parties, as appropriate, to support an applicant's preparation 
of, or the Administration's preparation and review of, documentation 
relating to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act 
of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to ensure streamlined timelines for 
complex reviews.
    (i) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed as prohibiting, restricting, or otherwise limiting the 
authority of the Administrator from implementing or complying with the 
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and any related requirements to ensure the 
protection of the environment and aviation safety.
    SEC. 910. UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM USE IN WILDFIRE RESPONSE.
    (a) Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Wildfire Response.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the 
    Chief of the Forest Service, the Administrator of the National 
    Aeronautics and Space Administration, and any other Federal entity 
    (or a contracted unmanned aircraft system operator of a Federal 
    entity) the Administrator considers appropriate, shall develop a 
    plan for the use of unmanned aircraft systems by public entities in 
    wildfire response efforts, including wildfire detection, 
    mitigation, and suppression.
        (2) Plan contents.--The plan developed under paragraph (1) 
    shall include recommendations to--
            (A) identify and designate areas of public land with high 
        potential for wildfires in which public entities may conduct 
        unmanned aircraft system operations beyond visual line of sight 
        as part of wildfire response efforts, including wildfire 
        detection, mitigation, and suppression;
            (B) develop a process to facilitate the safe and efficient 
        operation of unmanned aircraft systems beyond the visual line 
        of sight in wildfire response efforts in areas designated under 
        subparagraph (A), including a waiver process under section 
        91.113 or section 107.31 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, for public entities that use unmanned aircraft 
        systems for aerial wildfire detection, mitigation, and 
        suppression; and
            (C) improve coordination between the relevant Federal 
        agencies and public entities on the use of unmanned aircraft 
        systems in wildfire response efforts.
        (3) Plan submission.--Upon completion of the plan under 
    paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit such plan to, and 
    provide a briefing for, the appropriate committees of Congress and 
    the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
    Representatives.
        (4) Publication.--Upon submission of the plan under paragraph 
    (1), the Administrator shall publish such plan on a publicly 
    available website of the FAA.
    (b) Applicability.--The plan developed under this section shall 
cover only unmanned aircraft systems that are--
        (1) operated by, or on behalf of, a public entity;
        (2) operated in airspace covered by a wildfire-related 
    temporary flight restriction under section 91.137 of title 14, Code 
    of Federal Regulations; and
        (3) under the operational control of, or otherwise are being 
    operationally coordinated by, an authorized aviation coordinator 
    responsible for coordinating disaster response aircraft within the 
    airspace covered by such temporary flight restriction.
    (c) Interagency Coordination.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter 
into the necessary agreements to provide a liaison of the 
Administration to the National Interagency Fire Center to facilitate 
the implementation of the plan developed under this section and the use 
of manned and unmanned aircraft in wildfire response efforts, including 
wildfire detection, mitigation, and suppression.
    (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
confer upon the Administrator the authorities of the Administrator of 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency under section 611 of the Robert 
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 
5196).
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Public entity.--The term ``public entity'' means--
            (A) a Federal agency;
            (B) a State government;
            (C) a local government;
            (D) a Tribal Government; and
            (E) a territorial government.
        (2) Public land.--The term ``public land'' has the meaning 
    given such term in section 205 of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670k).
        (3) Wildfire.--The term ``wildfire'' has the meaning given that 
    term in section 2 of the Emergency Wildfire Suppression Act (42 
    U.S.C. 1856m).
    SEC. 911. PILOT PROGRAM FOR UAS INSPECTIONS OF FAA INFRASTRUCTURE.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall initiate a pilot program to 
supplement inspection and oversight activities of the Department of 
Transportation with unmanned aircraft systems to increase employee 
safety, enhance data collection, increase the accuracy of inspections, 
reduce costs, and for other purposes the Secretary considers to be 
appropriate.
    (b) Ground-based Aviation Infrastructure.--In participating in the 
program under subsection (a), the Administrator shall evaluate the use 
of unmanned aircraft systems to inspect ground-based aviation 
infrastructure that may require visual inspection in hard-to-reach 
areas, including--
        (1) navigational aids;
        (2) air traffic control towers;
        (3) radar facilities;
        (4) communication facilities; and
        (5) other air traffic control facilities.
    (c) Coordination.--In carrying out subsection (b), the 
Administrator shall consult with the labor union certified under 
section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, to represent personnel 
responsible for the inspection of the ground-based aviation 
infrastructure.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, and annually thereafter until the termination of the pilot 
program under this section, the Secretary shall provide to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the status and results 
of the pilot program established under subsection (a), including--
        (1) cost savings;
        (2) a description of how unmanned aircraft systems were used to 
    supplement existing inspection, data collection, or oversight 
    activities of Department employees, including the number of 
    operations and types of activities performed;
        (3) efficiency or safety improvements, if any, associated with 
    the use of unmanned aircraft systems to supplement conventional 
    inspection, data collection, or oversight activities;
        (4) the fleet of unmanned aircraft systems maintained by the 
    Department for the program, or an overview of the services used as 
    part of the pilot program; and
        (5) recommendations for improving the use or efficacy of 
    unmanned aircraft systems to supplement the Department's 
    inspection, data collection, or oversight activities.
    (e) Sunset and Incorporation Into Standard Practice.--
        (1) Sunset.--The pilot program established under subsection (a) 
    and the briefing requirement under subsection (d) shall terminate 
    on the date that is 4 years after the date of enactment of this 
    Act.
        (2) Incorporation into standard practice.--Upon termination of 
    the pilot program under this section, the Secretary shall assess 
    the results and determine whether to permanently incorporate the 
    use of unmanned aircraft systems into the regular inspection, data 
    collection, and oversight activities of the Department.
        (3) Report to congress.--Not later than 9 months after the 
    termination of the pilot program under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
    shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on 
    the final results of the pilot program and the actions taken by the 
    Administrator under paragraph (2).
    SEC. 912. DRONE INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTION GRANT PROGRAM.
    (a) Authority.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an unmanned aircraft system 
infrastructure inspection grant program to provide grants to 
governmental entities to facilitate the use of small unmanned aircraft 
systems to support more efficient inspection, operation, construction, 
maintenance, and repair of an element of critical infrastructure to 
improve worker safety related to projects.
    (b) Use of Grant Amounts.--A governmental entity may use a grant 
provided under this section to--
        (1) purchase or lease small unmanned aircraft systems;
        (2) support the operational capabilities of small unmanned 
    aircraft systems used by the governmental entity;
        (3) contract for services performed using a small unmanned 
    aircraft system in circumstances in which the governmental entity 
    does not have the resources or expertise to safely carry out or 
    assist in carrying out the activities described under subsection 
    (a); and
        (4) support the program management capability of the 
    governmental entity to use or contract the use of a small unmanned 
    aircraft system, as described in paragraph (3).
    (c) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
section, a governmental entity shall submit to the Secretary an 
application at such time, in such form, and containing such information 
as the Secretary may require, including an assurance that the 
governmental entity or any contractor of the governmental entity, will 
comply with relevant Federal regulations.
    (d) Selection of Applicants.--In selecting an application for a 
grant under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize applications 
that propose to--
        (1) carry out a project in a variety of communities, including 
    urban, suburban, rural, Tribal, or any other type of community; and
        (2) address a safety risk in the inspection, operation, 
    construction, maintenance, or repair of an element of critical 
    infrastructure.
    (e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to interfere with an agreement between a governmental entity 
and a labor union, including the requirements of section 5333(b) of 
title 49, United States Code.
    (f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the first 
grant is provided under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report that evaluates the program 
carried out under this section that includes--
        (1) a description of the number of grants provided under this 
    section;
        (2) the amount of each grant provided under this section;
        (3) the activities carried out with a grant provided under this 
    section; and
        (4) the effectiveness of such activities in meeting the 
    objectives described in subsection (a).
    (g) Funding.--
        (1) Federal share.--
            (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
        the Federal share of the cost of a project carried out using a 
        grant provided under this section shall not exceed 50 percent 
        of the total project cost.
            (B) Waiver.--The Secretary may increase the Federal share 
        under subparagraph (A) to up to 75 percent for a project 
        carried out using a grant provided under this section by a 
        governmental entity if such entity--
                (i) submits a written application to the Secretary 
            requesting an increase in the Federal share; and
                (ii) demonstrates that the additional assistance is 
            necessary to facilitate the acceptance and full use of a 
            grant under this section, such as alleviating economic 
            hardship, meeting additional workforce needs, or any other 
            uses that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
        (2) Authorization of appropriations.--Out of amounts authorized 
    to be appropriated under section 106(k) of title 49, United States 
    Code, the following amounts are authorized to carry out this 
    section:
            (A) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
            (B) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
            (C) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
            (D) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
    (h) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Critical infrastructure.--The term ``critical 
    infrastructure'' has the meaning given such term in subsection (e) 
    of the Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of 2001 (42 U.S.C. 
    5195c(e)).
        (2) Element of critical infrastructure.--The term ``element of 
    critical infrastructure'' means a critical infrastructure facility 
    or asset, including public bridges, tunnels, roads, highways, dams, 
    electric grid, water infrastructure, communication systems, 
    pipelines, or other related facilities or assets, as determined by 
    the Secretary.
        (3) Governmental entity.--The term ``governmental entity'' 
    means--
            (A) a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
        Puerto Rico, a territory of the United States, or a political 
        subdivision thereof;
            (B) a unit of local government;
            (C) a Tribal government;
            (D) a metropolitan planning organization; or
            (E) a consortia of more than 1 of the entities described in 
        subparagraphs (A) through (D).
        (4) Project.--The term ``project'' means a project for the 
    inspection, operation, construction, maintenance, or repair of an 
    element of critical infrastructure, including mitigating 
    environmental hazards to such infrastructure.
    SEC. 913. DRONE EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM.
    (a) Authority.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish a drone 
education and training grant program to make grants to educational 
institutions for workforce training for small unmanned aircraft 
systems.
    (b) Use of Grant Amounts.--Amounts from a grant under this section 
shall be used in furtherance of activities authorized under section 631 
and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
    (c) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this 
section, an educational institution shall submit an application to the 
Secretary at such time, in such form, and containing such information 
as the Secretary may require.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--Out of amounts authorized to 
be appropriated under section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, 
the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section $5,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028.
    (e) Educational Institution Defined.--In this section, the term 
``educational institution'' means an institution of higher education 
(as such term is defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that participates in a program authorized under 
sections 631 and 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 
40101 note).
    SEC. 914. DRONE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM STUDY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study of the 
effectiveness of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training 
Initiative established under section 632 of the FAA Reauthorization Act 
2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).
    (b) Report.--Upon completion of the study under subsection (a), the 
Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report describing--
        (1) the findings of such study; and
        (2) any recommendations to improve the Unmanned Aircraft 
    Systems Collegiate Training Initiative.
    SEC. 915. TERMINATION OF ADVANCED AVIATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
    The Secretary may not renew the charter of the Advanced Aviation 
Advisory Committee (chartered by the Secretary on June 10, 2022).
    SEC. 916. UNMANNED AND AUTONOMOUS FLIGHT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the termination of the 
Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee pursuant to section 915, the 
Administrator shall establish an Unmanned and Autonomous Flight 
Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Advisory 
Committee'').
    (b) Duties.--The Advisory Committee shall provide the Administrator 
advice on policy- and technical-level issues related to unmanned and 
autonomous aviation operations and activities, including, at a minimum, 
the following:
        (1) The safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems and 
    autonomous flight operations into the national airspace system, 
    including feedback on--
            (A) the certification and operational standards of highly 
        automated aircraft, unmanned aircraft, and associated elements 
        of such aircraft;
            (B) coordination of procedures for operations in controlled 
        and uncontrolled airspace; and
            (C) communication protocols.
        (2) The use cases of unmanned aircraft systems, including 
    evaluating and assessing the potential benefits of using unmanned 
    aircraft systems.
        (3) The development of processes and methodologies to address 
    safety concerns related to the operation of unmanned aircraft 
    systems, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
        (4) Unmanned aircraft system training, education, and workforce 
    development programs, including evaluating aeronautical knowledge 
    gaps in the unmanned aircraft system workforce, assessing the 
    workforce needs of unmanned aircraft system operations, and 
    establishing a strong pipeline to ensure a robust unmanned aircraft 
    system workforce.
        (5) The analysis of unmanned aircraft system data and trends.
        (6) Unmanned aircraft system infrastructure, including the use 
    of existing aviation infrastructure and the development of 
    necessary infrastructure.
    (c) Membership.--
        (1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall be composed of 
    not more than 12 members.
        (2) Representatives.--The Advisory Committee shall include at 
    least 1 representative of each of the following:
            (A) Commercial operators of unmanned aircraft systems.
            (B) Unmanned aircraft system manufacturers.
            (C) Counter-UAS manufacturers.
            (D) FAA-approved unmanned aircraft system service 
        suppliers.
            (E) Unmanned aircraft system test ranges under section 
        44803 of title 49, United States Code.
            (F) An unmanned aircraft system physical infrastructure 
        network provider.
            (G) Community advocates.
            (H) Certified labor organizations representing commercial 
        airline pilots, air traffic control specialists employed by the 
        Administration, certified aircraft maintenance technicians, 
        certified aircraft dispatchers, or aviation safety inspectors.
            (I) Academia or a relevant research organization.
        (3) Observers.--The Administrator may invite appropriate 
    representatives of other Federal agencies to observe or provide 
    input on the work of the Advisory Committee, but shall not allow 
    such representatives to participate in any decision-making of the 
    Advisory Committee.
    (d) Reporting.--
        (1) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall submit to the 
    Administrator an annual report of the activities, findings, and 
    recommendations of the Committee.
        (2) Congressional reporting.--The Administrator shall submit to 
    the appropriate committees of Congress the reports required under 
    paragraph (1).
    (e) Prohibition.--The Administrator may not task the Advisory 
Committee established under this section with a review or the 
development of recommendations relating to operations conducted under 
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
    SEC. 917. NEXTGEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary 
to expand the membership of the NextGen Advisory Committee (chartered 
by the Secretary on June 15, 2022) to include 1 representative from the 
unmanned aircraft system industry and 1 representative from the 
powered-lift industry.
    (b) Qualifications.--The representatives required under subsection 
(a) shall have the following qualifications, as applicable:
        (1) Demonstrated expertise in the design, manufacturing, or 
    operation of unmanned aircraft systems and powered-lift aircraft.
        (2) Demonstrated experience in the development or 
    implementation of unmanned aircraft system and powered-lift 
    aircraft policies and procedures.
        (3) Demonstrated commitment to advancing the safe integration 
    of unmanned aircraft systems and powered-lift aircraft into the 
    national airspace system.
    SEC. 918. INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.
    (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
        (1) the purpose of the joint Department of Defense-Federal 
    Aviation Administration executive committee (in this section 
    referred to as the ``Executive Committee'') on conflict and dispute 
    resolution as described in section 1036(b) of the Duncan Hunter 
    National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 
    110-417) is to resolve disputes on the matters of policy and 
    procedures between the Department of Defense and the Federal 
    Aviation Administration relating to airspace, aircraft 
    certifications, aircrew training, and other issues, including the 
    access of unmanned aerial systems of the Department of Defense to 
    the national airspace system;
        (2) by mutual agreement of Executive Committee leadership, 
    operating with the best of intentions, the current scope of 
    activities and membership of the Executive Committee has exceeded 
    the original intent of, and tasking to, the Executive Committee; 
    and
        (3) the expansion described in paragraph (2) has resulted in an 
    imbalance in the oversight of certain Federal entities in matters 
    concerning civil aviation safety and security.
    (b) Charter.--
        (1) Charter revision.--Not later than 45 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to revise the 
    charter of the Executive Committee to reflect the scope, 
    objectives, membership, and activities described in section 1036(b) 
    of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
    Year 2009 (Public Law 110-417) in order to achieve the increasing, 
    and ultimately routine, access of unmanned aircraft systems of the 
    Department of Defense into the national airspace system.
        (2) Sunset.--Not earlier than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to sunset the 
    activities of the Executive Committee by joint agreement of the 
    Administrator and the Secretary of Defense.
    SEC. 919. REVIEW OF REGULATIONS TO ENABLE UNESCORTED UAS 
      OPERATIONS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall, in coordination with the 
Secretary of Defense, conduct a review of the requirements necessary to 
permit unmanned aircraft systems (excluding small unmanned aircraft 
systems) operated by a Federal agency or armed forces (as such term is 
defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) to be operated 
in the national airspace system, including outside of restricted 
airspace, without being escorted by a manned aircraft.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the completion of the 
review under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the 
review, including any recommended regulatory and statutory changes to 
enable the operations described under subsection (a).
    SEC. 920. EXTENSION OF BEYOND PROGRAM.
    (a) FAA BEYOND Program Extension.--The Administrator shall extend 
the BEYOND program of the FAA as in effect on the day before the date 
of enactment of this Act (in this section referred to as the 
``Program'') and the existing agreements with State, local, and Tribal 
governments entered into under the Program until the date on which the 
Administrator determines the Program is no longer necessary or useful.
    (b) FAA BEYOND Program Expansion.--
        (1) In general.--The Administrator shall consider expanding the 
    Program to include additional State, local, and Tribal governments 
    to test and evaluate the use of new and emerging aviation concepts 
    and technologies to evaluate and inform FAA policies, rulemaking, 
    and guidance related to the safe integration of such concepts and 
    technologies into the national airspace system.
        (2) Scope.--If the Administrator determines the Program should 
    be expanded, the Administrator shall address additional factors in 
    the Program, including--
            (A) increasing automation in civil aircraft, including 
        unmanned aircraft systems and new or emerging aviation 
        technologies;
            (B) operations of such systems and technologies, including 
        beyond visual line of sight; and
            (C) the societal and economic impacts of such operations.
        (3) Additional waiver authority.--In carrying out an expansion 
    of the Program, the Administrator may waive the requirements of 
    section 44711 of title 49, United States Code, including related 
    regulations, under any BEYOND program agreement to the extent 
    consistent with aviation safety.
    SEC. 921. UAS INTEGRATION STRATEGY.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall implement the 
recommendations made by--
        (1) the Comptroller General to the Secretary contained in the 
    report of the Government Accountability Office titled ``Drones: FAA 
    Should Improve Its Approach to Integrating Drones into the National 
    Airspace System'', issued in January 2023 (GAO-23-105189); and
        (2) the inspector general of the Department of Transportation 
    to the Administrator contained in the audit report of the inspector 
    general titled ``FAA Made Progress Through Its UAS Integration 
    Pilot Program, but FAA and Industry Challenges Remain To Achieve 
    Full UAS Integration'', issued in April 2022 (Project ID: 
    AV2022027).
    (b) Briefing.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2028, the Administrator 
shall provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress 
that--
        (1) provides a status update on the--
            (A) implementation of the recommendations described in 
        subsection (a);
            (B) implementation of statutory provisions related to 
        unmanned aircraft system integration under subtitle B of title 
        III of division B of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 
        (Public Law 115-254); and
            (C) actions taken by the Administrator to implement 
        recommendations related to safe integration of unmanned 
        aircraft systems into the national airspace system included in 
        aviation rulemaking committee reports published after the date 
        of enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 
        115-254);
        (2) provides a description of steps taken to achieve the safe 
    integration of such systems into the national airspace system, 
    including milestones and performance metrics to track results;
        (3) provides the costs of executing the integration described 
    in paragraph (2), including any estimates of future Federal 
    resources or investments required to complete such integration; and
        (4) identifies any regulatory or policy changes required to 
    execute the integration described in paragraph (2).
    SEC. 922. EXTENSION OF KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY CAMPAIGN.
    Section 356 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
254) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2024 
through 2028''.
    SEC. 923. PUBLIC AIRCRAFT DEFINITION.
    Section 40125(a)(2) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking ``research, or'' and inserting ``research,''; 
    and
        (2) by inserting ``(including data collection on civil aviation 
    systems undergoing research, development, test, or evaluation at a 
    test range (as such term is defined in section 44801)), 
    infrastructure inspections, or any other activity undertaken by a 
    governmental entity that the Administrator determines is inherently 
    governmental'' after ``biological or geological resource 
    management''.
    SEC. 924. FAA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ON UAS AUTOMATION.
    (a) Comprehensive Plan.--The Administrator shall establish a 
comprehensive plan for the integration of autonomous unmanned aircraft 
systems into the national airspace system.
    (b) Comprehensive Plan Contents.--In establishing the comprehensive 
plan under subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
        (1) identify FAA processes and regulations that need to change 
    to accommodate the increasingly automated role of a remote operator 
    of an unmanned aircraft system; and
        (2) identify how the Administrator intends to authorize 
    operations ranging from low risk automated operations to 
    increasingly complex automated operations of such systems.
    (c) Coordination.--In establishing the comprehensive plan under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult with--
        (1) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
        (2) the Department of Defense;
        (3) manufacturers of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems;
        (4) operators of autonomous unmanned aircraft systems; and
        (5) other stakeholders with knowledge of automation in 
    aviation, the human-computer interface, and aviation safety, as 
    determined appropriate by the Administrator.
    (d) Submission.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate 
committees of Congress, the subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and 
Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the Committee on 
Appropriations of the Senate and the subcommittee on Transportation, 
Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the Committee on 
Appropriations of the House of Representatives the plan established 
under subsection (a).
    SEC. 925. UAS TEST RANGES.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by striking section 44803 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 44803. Unmanned aircraft system test ranges
    ``(a) Test Ranges.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
    Administration shall carry out and update, as appropriate, a 
    program for the use of unmanned aircraft system (in this section 
    referred to as UAS) test ranges to--
            ``(A) enable a broad variety of development, testing, and 
        evaluation activities related to UAS and associated 
        technologies; and
            ``(B) the extent consistent with aviation safety and 
        efficiency, support the safe integration of unmanned aircraft 
        systems into the national airspace system.
        ``(2) Designations.--
            ``(A) Existing test ranges.--Test ranges designated under 
        this section shall include the 7 test ranges established under 
        the following:
                ``(i) Section 332(c) of the FAA Modernization and 
            Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), as in effect on 
            the day before the date of enactment of the FAA 
            Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254).
                ``(ii) Any other test ranges designated pursuant to the 
            amendment made by section 2201(b) of the FAA Extension, 
            Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) 
            after the date of enactment of such Act.
            ``(B) New test ranges.--If the Administrator finds that it 
        is in the best interest of enabling safe UAS integration into 
        the national airspace system, the Administrator may select and 
        designate as a test range under this section up to 2 additional 
        test ranges in accordance with the requirements of this section 
        through a competitive selection process.
            ``(C) Limitation.--Not more than 9 test ranges designated 
        under this section shall be part of the program established 
        under this section at any given time.
        ``(3) Eligibility.--Test ranges selected by the Administrator 
    pursuant to (2)(B) shall--
            ``(A) be an instrumentality of a State, local, Tribal, or 
        territorial government or other public entity;
            ``(B) be approved by the chief executive officer of the 
        State, local, territorial, or Tribal government for the 
        principal place of business of the applicant, prior to seeking 
        designation by the Administrator;
            ``(C) undertake and ensure testing and evaluation of 
        innovative concepts, technologies, and operations that will 
        offer new safety benefits, including developing and retaining 
        an advanced aviation industrial base within the United States; 
        and
            ``(D) meet any other requirements established by the 
        Administrator.
    ``(b) Airspace Requirements.--
        ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the program under subsection 
    (a), the Administrator may establish, upon the request of a test 
    range sponsor designated by the Administrator under subsection (a), 
    a restricted area, special use airspace, or other similar type of 
    airspace pursuant to part 73 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, for purposes of--
            ``(A) accommodating hazardous development, testing, and 
        evaluation activities to inform the safe integration of 
        unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace system; or
            ``(B) other activities authorized by the Administrator 
        pursuant to subsection (f).
        ``(2) NEPA review.--The Administrator may require that each 
    test range sponsor designated by the Administrator under subsection 
    (a) provide a draft environmental review consistent with the 
    National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 
    subject to the supervision of and adoption by the Administrator, 
    with respect to any request for the establishment of a restricted 
    area, special use airspace, or other similar type of airspace under 
    this subsection.
        ``(3) Inactive restricted area or special use airspace.--
            ``(A) In general.--In the event a restricted area, special 
        use airspace, or other similar type of airspace established 
        under paragraph (1) is not needed to meet the needs of the 
        using agency (as described in subparagraph (B)), any related 
        airspace restrictions, limitations, or designations shall be 
        inactive.
            ``(B) Using agency.--For purposes of this subsection, a 
        test range sponsor designated by the Administrator under 
        subsection (a) shall be considered the using agency with 
        respect to a restricted area established by the Administrator 
        under this subsection.
        ``(4) Approval authority.--The Administrator shall have the 
    authority to approve access by a participating or nonparticipating 
    operator to a test range or restricted area, special use airspace, 
    or other similar type of airspace established by the Administrator 
    under this subsection.
    ``(c) Program Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
subsection (a), the Administrator--
        ``(1) may develop operational standards and air traffic 
    requirements for flight operations at test ranges;
        ``(2) shall coordinate with, and leverage the resources of, the 
    Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
    and other relevant Federal agencies, as determined appropriate by 
    the Administrator;
        ``(3) shall address both civil and public aircraft operations;
        ``(4) shall provide for verification of the safety of flight 
    systems and related navigation procedures as such systems and 
    procedures relate to the continued development of regulations and 
    standards for integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the 
    national airspace system;
        ``(5) shall engage test range sponsors, as necessary and with 
    available resources, in projects for development, testing, and 
    evaluation of flight systems, including activities conducted 
    pursuant to section 1042 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, to 
    facilitate the development of regulations and the validation of 
    standards by the Administrator for the safe integration of unmanned 
    aircraft systems into the national airspace system, which may 
    include activities related to--
            ``(A) developing and enforcing geographic and altitude 
        limitations;
            ``(B) providing for alerts regarding any hazards or 
        limitations on flight, including prohibition on flight, as 
        necessary;
            ``(C) developing or validating sense and avoid 
        capabilities;
            ``(D) developing or validating technology to support 
        communications, navigation, and surveillance;
            ``(E) testing or validating operational concepts and 
        technologies related to beyond visual line of sight operations, 
        autonomous operations, nighttime operations, operations over 
        people, operations involving multiple unmanned aircraft systems 
        by a single pilot or operator, and unmanned aircraft systems 
        traffic management capabilities or services;
            ``(F) improving privacy protections through the use of 
        advances in unmanned aircraft systems;
            ``(G) conducting counter-UAS testing capabilities, with the 
        approval of the Administrator; and
            ``(H) other relevant topics for which development, testing 
        or evaluation are needed;
        ``(6) shall develop data sharing and collection requirements 
    for test ranges to support the unmanned aircraft systems 
    integration efforts of the Administration and coordinate 
    periodically with all test range sponsors to ensure the test range 
    sponsors know--
            ``(A) what data should be collected;
            ``(B) how data can be de-identified to flow more readily to 
        the Administration;
            ``(C) what procedures should be followed; and
            ``(D) what development, testing, and evaluation would 
        advance efforts to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems 
        into the national airspace system;
        ``(7) shall allow test range sponsors to receive Federal 
    funding, including in-kind contributions, other than from the 
    Federal Aviation Administration, in furtherance of research, 
    development, testing, and evaluation objectives; and
        ``(8) shall use modeling and simulation tools to assist in the 
    testing, evaluation, verification, and validation of unmanned 
    aircraft systems.
    ``(d) Exemption.--Except as provided in subsection (f), the 
requirements of section 44711, including any related implementing 
regulations, shall not apply to persons approved by the test range 
sponsor for operation at a test range designated by the Administrator 
under this section.
    ``(e) Responsibilities of Test Range Sponsors.--The sponsor of each 
test range designated by the Administrator under subsection (a) shall--
        ``(1) provide access to all interested private and public 
    entities seeking to carry out research, development, testing and 
    evaluation activities at the test range designated pursuant to this 
    section, to the greatest extent practicable, consistent with safety 
    and any operating procedures established by the test range sponsor, 
    including access by small business concerns (as such term is 
    defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632));
        ``(2) ensure all activities remain within the geographical 
    boundaries and altitude limitations established for any restricted 
    area, special use airspace, or other similar type of airspace 
    covering the test range;
        ``(3) ensure no activity is conducted at the designated test 
    range in a careless or reckless manner;
        ``(4) establish safe operating procedures for all operators 
    approved for activities at the test range, including provisions for 
    maintaining operational control and ensuring protection of persons 
    and property on the ground, subject to approval by the 
    Administrator;
        ``(5) exercise direct oversight of all operations conducted at 
    the test range;
        ``(6) consult with the Administrator on the nature of planned 
    activities at the test range and whether temporary segregation of 
    the airspace is required to contain such activities consistent with 
    aviation safety;
        ``(7) protect proprietary technology, sensitive data, or 
    sensitive research of any civil or private entity when using the 
    test range;
        ``(8) maintain detailed records of all ongoing and completed 
    activities conducted at the test range and all operators conducting 
    such activities, for inspection by, and reporting to, the 
    Administrator, as required by agreement between the Administrator 
    and the test range sponsor;
        ``(9) make all original records available for inspection upon 
    request by the Administrator; and
        ``(10) provide recommendations, on a quarterly basis until the 
    program terminates, to the Administrator to further enable public 
    and private development, testing, and evaluation activities at the 
    test ranges to contribute to the safe integration of unmanned 
    aircraft systems into the national airspace system.
    ``(f) Testing.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may authorize a sponsor of 
    a test range designated under subsection (a) to host research, 
    development, testing, and evaluation activities, including 
    activities conducted pursuant to section 1042 of the FAA 
    Reauthorization Act of 2024, as appropriate, other than activities 
    directly related to the integration of unmanned aircraft systems 
    into the national airspace system, so long as the activity is 
    necessary to inform the development of regulations, standards, or 
    policy for integrating new types of flight systems into the 
    national airspace system.
        ``(2) Waiver.-- In carrying out this section, the Administrator 
    may waive the requirements of section 44711 (including any related 
    implementing regulations) to the extent the Administrator 
    determines such waiver is consistent with aviation safety.
    ``(g) Collaborative Research and Development Agreements.--The 
Administrator may use the transaction authority under section 
106(l)(6), including in coordination with the Center of Excellence for 
Unmanned Aircraft Systems, to enter into collaborative research and 
development agreements or to direct research, development, testing, and 
evaluation related to unmanned aircraft systems, including activities 
conducted pursuant to section 1042 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 
2024, as appropriate, at any test range designated under subsection 
(a).
    ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--
        ``(1) Establishment.--Out of amounts authorized to be 
    appropriated under section 106(k), $6,000,000 for each of fiscal 
    years 2025 through 2028, shall be available to the Administrator 
    for the purposes of--
            ``(A) providing matching funds to commercial entities that 
        contract with a UAS test range to demonstrate or validate 
        technologies that the FAA considers essential to the safe 
        integration of UAS into the national airspace system; and
            ``(B) supporting or performing such demonstration and 
        validation activities described in subparagraph (A) at a test 
        range designated under the section.
        ``(2) Disbursement.--Funding provided under this subsection 
    shall be divided evenly among all UAS test ranges designated under 
    this section, for the purpose of providing matching funds to 
    commercial entities described in paragraph (1) and available until 
    expended.
    ``(i) Termination.--The program under this section shall terminate 
on September 30, 2028.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
        (1) Conforming amendment.--Section 44801(10) of title 49, 
    United States Code, is amended by striking ``any of the 6 test 
    ranges established by the Administrator under section 332(c) of the 
    FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note), as 
    in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the FAA 
    Reauthorization Act of 2018, and any public entity authorized by 
    the Federal Aviation Administration as an unmanned aircraft system 
    flight test center before January 1, 2009'' and inserting ``the 
    test ranges designated by the Administrator under section 44803''.
        (2) Clerical amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 
    49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to 
    section 44803 and inserting the following:
``44803. Unmanned aircraft system test ranges.''.

    (c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the test 
ranges designated under section 44803 of title 49, United States Code, 
shall--
        (1) provide fair and accessible services to a broad variety of 
    unmanned aircraft technology developers, to the extent practicable;
        (2) operate in the best interest of domestic technology 
    developers in terms of intellectual property and proprietary data 
    protections; and
        (3) comply with data sharing and collection requirements 
    prescribed by the FAA.
    SEC. 926. PUBLIC SAFETY USE OF TETHERED UAS.
    (a) In General.--Section 44806 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) in the section heading by inserting ``and public safety use 
    of tethered unmanned aircraft systems'' after ``systems'';
        (2) in subsection (c)--
            (A) in the subsection heading by inserting ``safety use 
        of'' after ``public''; and
            (B) in paragraph (1)--
                (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--

                    (I) by striking ``Not later than 180 days after the 
                date of enactment of this Act, the'' and inserting 
                ``The'';
                    (II) by striking ``permit the use of'' and 
                inserting ``permit'';
                    (III) by striking ``public''; and
                    (IV) by inserting ``by a public safety organization 
                for such systems'' after ``systems'';

                (ii) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
            following:
            ``(A) operated--
                ``(i) at or below an altitude of 150 feet above ground 
            level within class B, C, D, E, or G airspace, but not at a 
            greater altitude than the ceiling depicted on the UAS 
            Facility Maps published by the Federal Aviation 
            Administration, where applicable;
                ``(ii) within zero-grid airspaces as depicted on such 
            UAS Facility Maps, only if operated in life-saving or 
            emergency situations and with prior notification to the 
            Administration in a manner determined by the Administrator; 
            or
                ``(iii) above 150 feet above ground level within class 
            B, C, D, E, or G airspace only with prior authorization 
            from the Administrator;'';
                (iii) by striking subparagraph (B); and
                (iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) 
            as subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), respectively; and
            (C) in paragraph (3) by striking ``Public actively'' and 
        inserting ``Actively''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Definition.--In this section, the term `public safety 
organization' means an entity that primarily engages in activities 
related to the safety and well-being of the general public, including 
law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and 
other organizations that protect and serve the public in matters of 
safety and security.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
44806 and inserting the following:
``44806. Public unmanned aircraft systems and public safety use of 
          tethered unmanned aircraft systems.''.

    (c) Definition.--Section 44801(1) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
        (1) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting:
            ``(A) weighs 55 pounds or less, including payload but not 
        including the tether;'';
        (2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
        (3) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end and 
    inserting a semicolon; and
        (4) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(D) is able to maintain safe flight control in the event 
        of a power or flight control failure during flight; and
            ``(E) is programmed to initiate a controlled landing in the 
        event of a tether separation.''.
    SEC. 927. EXTENDING SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 
      SYSTEMS.
    (a) Extension.--Section 44807(d) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting ``September 30, 
2033''.
    (b) Clarification.--Section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)--
            (A) by inserting ``or chapter 447'' after ``Notwithstanding 
        any other requirement of this chapter'';
            (B) by striking ``the Secretary of Transportation'' and 
        inserting ``the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
        Administration''; and
            (C) by striking ``if certain'' and inserting ``how'';
        (2) in subsection (b)--
            (A) by striking ``Secretary'' and inserting 
        ``Administrator''; and
            (B) by striking ``which types of'' and inserting ``how 
        such''.
        (3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
    ``(c) Requirements for Safe Operation.--
        ``(1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the 
    Administrator shall establish requirements, or a process to accept 
    proposed requirements, for the safe and efficient operation of 
    unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace system, 
    including operations related to testing and evaluation of 
    proprietary systems.
        ``(2) Expedited exemptions and approvals.--The Administrator 
    shall, taking into account the statutory mandate to ensure safe and 
    efficient use of the national airspace system, issue approvals--
            ``(A) to enable low-risk beyond visual line of sight 
        operations, including, at a minimum, package delivery 
        operations, extended visual line of sight operations, or 
        shielded operations within 100 feet of the ground or a 
        structure; or
            ``(B) that are aligned with Administration exemptions or 
        approvals that enable beyond visual line of sight operations 
        with the use of acoustics, ground based radar, automatic 
        dependent surveillance-broadcast, and other technological 
        solutions.
        ``(3) Treatment of mitigation measures.--To the extent that an 
    operation under this section will be conducted exclusively within 
    the airspace of a Mode C Veil, such operation shall be treated as 
    satisfying the requirements of section 91.113(b) of title 14, Code 
    of Federal Regulations, if the operation employs--
            ``(A) automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast in-based 
        detect and avoid capabilities;
            ``(B) air traffic control communication and coordination;
            ``(C) aeronautical information management systems 
        acceptable to the Administrator, such as notices to air 
        missions, to notify other airspace users of such operations; or
            ``(D) any other risk mitigations as set by the 
        Administrator.
        ``(4) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall 
    be construed to--
            ``(A) provide an unmanned aircraft operating pursuant to 
        this section the right of way over a manned aircraft; or
            ``(B) limit the authority of the Administrator to impose 
        requirements, conditions, or limitations on operations 
        conducted under this section in order to address safety 
        concerns.''; and
        (4) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(e) Authority.--The Administrator may exercise the authorities 
described in this section, including waiving applicable parts of title 
14, Code of Federal Regulations, without initiating a rulemaking or 
imposing the requirements of part 11 of title 14, Code of Federal 
Regulations, to the extent consistent with aviation safety.''.
    (c) Clarification of Status of Previously Issued Rulemakings and 
Exemptions.--
        (1) Rulemakings.--Any rule issued pursuant to section 44807 of 
    title 49, United States Code, shall continue to be in effect 
    following the expiration of such authority.
        (2) Exemptions.--Any exemption granted under the authority 
    described in section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, and in 
    effect as of the expiration of such authority, shall continue to be 
    in effect until the date that is 3 years after the date of 
    termination described in such exemption, provided the Administrator 
    does not determine there is a safety risk.
        (3) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
    construed to interfere with the Administrator's--
            (A) authority to rescind or amend an exemption for reasons 
        such as unsafe conditions or operator oversight; or
            (B) ability to grant an exemption based on a determination 
        made pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, 
        prior to the date described in subsection (d) of such section.
    SEC. 928. RECREATIONAL OPERATIONS OF DRONE SYSTEMS.
    (a) Specified Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of 
Unmanned Aircraft.--Section 44809 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) in subsection (a) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting 
    the following:
        ``(6) Except for circumstances when the Administrator 
    establishes alternative altitude ceilings or as otherwise 
    authorized in section (c), in Class G airspace, the aircraft is 
    flown from the surface to not more than 400 feet above ground level 
    and complies with all airspace and flight restrictions and 
    prohibitions established under this subtitle, such as special use 
    airspace designations and temporary flight restrictions.'';
        (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
    ``(c) Operations at Fixed Sites.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a process 
    to approve, and publicly disseminate the location of, fixed sites 
    at which a person may carry out recreational unmanned aircraft 
    system operations.
        ``(2) Operating procedures.--
            ``(A) Controlled airspace.--Persons operating unmanned 
        aircraft under paragraph (1) from a fixed site within Class B, 
        Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries 
        of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an 
        airport, or a community-based organization sponsoring 
        operations within such airspace, shall make the location of the 
        fixed site known to the Administrator and shall establish a 
        mutually agreed upon operating procedure with the air traffic 
        control facility.
            ``(B) Altitude.--The Administrator, in coordination with 
        community-based organizations sponsoring operations at fixed 
        sites, shall develop a process to approve requests for 
        recreational unmanned aircraft systems operations at fixed 
        sites that exceed the maximum altitude contained in a UAS 
        Facility Map published by the Federal Aviation Administration.
            ``(C) Uncontrolled airspace.--Subject to compliance with 
        all airspace and flight restrictions and prohibitions 
        established under this subtitle, including special use airspace 
        designations and temporary flight restrictions, persons 
        operating unmanned aircraft systems from a fixed site 
        designated under the process described in paragraph (1) may 
        operate within Class G airspace--
                ``(i) up to 400 feet above ground level, without prior 
            authorization from the Administrator; and
                ``(ii) above 400 feet above ground level, with prior 
            authorization from the Administrator.
        ``(3) Unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds or greater.--A 
    person may operate an unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds or 
    greater, including the weight of anything attached to or carried by 
    the aircraft, if--
            ``(A) the unmanned aircraft complies with standards and 
        limitations developed by a community-based organization and 
        approved by the Administrator; and
            ``(B) the aircraft is operated from a fixed site as 
        described in paragraph (1).
        ``(4) FAA-recognized identification areas.--In implementing 
    subpart C of part 89 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, the 
    Administrator shall prioritize the review and adjudication of 
    requests to establish FAA Recognized Identification Areas at fixed 
    sites established under this section.'';
        (3) in subsection (d)--
            (A) in paragraph (3) by striking ``subsection (a) of''; and
            (B) by striking the subsection designation and heading and 
        all that follows through ``(3) Savings clause.--'' and 
        inserting ``(d) Savings clause.--'';
        (4) in subsection (f)(1) by striking ``updates to'';
        (5) by striking subsection (g)(1) and inserting the following:
        ``(1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with 
    manufacturers of unmanned aircraft systems, community-based 
    organizations, and other industry stakeholders, shall develop, 
    maintain, and update, as necessary, an aeronautical knowledge and 
    safety test. Such test shall be administered electronically by the 
    Administrator or a person designated by the Administrator.''; and
        (6) in subsection (h)--
            (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (6) as 
        paragraphs (2) through (7), respectively; and
            (B) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
        the following:
        ``(1) is recognized by the Administrator of the Federal 
    Aviation Administration;''.
    (b) Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Educational Purposes.--
Section 350 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44809 
note) is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)--
            (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs 
        (3) and (4), respectively; and
            (B) by inserting before paragraph (3) (as so redesignated) 
        the following:
        ``(2) operated by an elementary school, a secondary school, or 
    an institution of higher education for educational or research 
    purposes;''; and
        (2) in subsection (d)--
            (A) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``an elementary school, 
        or a secondary school'' after ``with respect to the operation 
        of an unmanned aircraft system by an institution of higher 
        education,''; and
            (B) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(3) Elementary school.--The term `elementary school' has the 
    meaning given to that term by section 8101 of the Elementary and 
    Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(19)).
        ``(4) Secondary school.--The term `secondary school' has the 
    meaning given to that term by section 8101 of the Elementary and 
    Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801(45)).''.
    SEC. 929. APPLICATIONS FOR DESIGNATION.
    (a) In General.--Section 2209 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and 
Security Act of 2016 (49 U.S.C. 44802 note) is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``, including temporarily,'' 
    after ``restrict'';
        (2) in subsection (b)(1)(C)(iv) by striking ``Other locations 
    that warrant such restrictions'' and inserting ``State prisons''; 
    and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(f) Deadlines.--
        ``(1) Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the 
    FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator shall publish a 
    notice of proposed rulemaking to carry out the requirements of this 
    section.
        ``(2) Not later than 16 months after publishing the notice of 
    proposed rulemaking under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall 
    issue a final rule based on the notice of proposed rulemaking 
    published under paragraph (1).
    ``(g) Definition of State Prison.--In this section, the term `State 
prison' means an institution under State jurisdiction, including a 
State Department of Corrections, the primary use of which is for the 
confinement of individuals convicted of a felony.''.
    SEC. 930. BEYOND VISUAL LINE OF SIGHT OPERATIONS FOR UNMANNED 
      AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44811. Beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned 
     aircraft systems
    ``(a) Proposed Rule.--Not later than 4 months after the date of 
enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the Administrator 
shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking establishing a performance-
based regulatory pathway for unmanned aircraft systems (in this section 
referred to as `UAS') to operate beyond visual line of sight (in this 
section referred to as `BVLOS').
    ``(b) Requirements.--The proposed rule required under subsection 
(a) shall, at a minimum, establish the following:
        ``(1) Acceptable levels of risk for BVLOS UAS operations, 
    including the levels developed pursuant to section 931 of the FAA 
    Reauthorization Act of 2024.
        ``(2) Standards for remote pilots or UAS operators for BVLOS 
    operations, taking into account varying levels of automated control 
    and management of UAS flights.
        ``(3) An approval or acceptance process for UAS and associated 
    elements (as defined by the Administrator), which may leverage the 
    creation of a special airworthiness certificate or a manufacturer's 
    declaration of compliance to a Federal Aviation Administration 
    accepted means of compliance. Such process--
            ``(A) shall not require, but may allow for, the use of type 
        or production certification;
            ``(B) shall consider the airworthiness of any UAS that--
                ``(i) is within a maximum gross weight or kinetic 
            energy, as determined by the Administrator; and
                ``(ii) operates within a maximum speed limit as 
            determined by the Administrator;
            ``(C) may require such systems to operate in the national 
        airspace system at altitude limits determined by the 
        Administrator; and
            ``(D) may require such systems to operate at standoff 
        distances from the radius of a structure or the structure's 
        immediate uppermost limit, as determined by the Administrator.
        ``(4) Operating rules for UAS that have been approved or 
    accepted as described in paragraph (3).
        ``(5) Protocols, if appropriate, for networked information 
    exchange, such as network-based remote identification, in support 
    of BVLOS operations.
        ``(6) The safety of manned aircraft operating in the national 
    airspace system and consider the maneuverability and technology 
    limitations of certain aircraft, including hot air balloons.
    ``(c) Final Rule.--Not later than 16 months after publishing the 
proposed rule under subsection (a), the Administrator shall issue a 
final rule based on such proposed rule.
    ``(d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
to require the agency to rescope any rulemaking efforts related to UAS 
BVLOS operations that are ongoing as of the date of enactment of the 
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``44811. Beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned aircraft 
          systems.''.
    SEC. 931. ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF RISK AND RISK ASSESSMENT 
      METHODOLOGY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall develop a risk 
assessment methodology that allows for the determination of acceptable 
levels of risk for unmanned aircraft system operations, including 
operations beyond visual line of sight, conducted--
        (1) under waivers issued to part 107 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations;
        (2) pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, United States Code; 
    or
        (3) pursuant to other applicable regulations, as appropriate.
    (b) Risk Assessment Methodology Considerations.--In establishing 
the risk assessment methodology under this section, the Administrator 
shall ensure alignment with the considerations included in the order 
issued by the FAA titled ``UAS Safety Risk Management Policy'' (FAA 
Order 8040.6A), and any subsequent amendments to such order, as the 
Administrator considers appropriate.
    (c) Publication.--The Administrator shall make the risk assessment 
methodology established under this section available to the public on 
an appropriate website of the Administration and update such 
methodology as necessary.
    SEC. 932. THIRD-PARTY SERVICE APPROVALS.
    (a) Approval Process.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish procedures, 
which may include a rulemaking, to approve third-party service 
suppliers, including third-party service suppliers of unmanned aircraft 
system traffic management, to support the safe integration and 
commercial operation of unmanned aircraft systems.
    (b) Acceptance of Standards.--In establishing the approval process 
required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that, to 
the maximum extent practicable, industry consensus standards, such as 
ASTM International Standard F3548-21, titled ``UAS Traffic Management 
(UTM) UAS Service Supplier (USS) Interoperability'', are included as an 
acceptable means of compliance for third-party services.
    (c) Approvals.--In establishing the approval process required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
        (1) define and implement criteria and conditions for the 
    approval and oversight of third-party service suppliers that--
            (A) could have a direct or indirect impact on air traffic 
        services in the national airspace system; and
            (B) require FAA oversight; and
        (2) establish procedures by which unmanned aircraft systems can 
    use the capabilities and services of third-party service suppliers 
    to support operations.
    (d) Harmonization.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator 
shall seek to harmonize, to the extent practicable and advisable, any 
requirements and guidance for the development, use, and operation of 
third-party capabilities and services, including UTM, with similar 
requirements and guidance of other civil aviation authorities.
    (e) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator 
shall consider any relevant information provided by the Administrator 
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration regarding research 
and development efforts the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration may have conducted related to the use of UTM providers.
    (f) Third-party Service Supplier Defined.--In this section, the 
term ``third-party service supplier'' means an entity other than the 
FAA that provides a distributed service that affects the safety or 
efficiency of the national airspace system, including UAS service 
suppliers, supplemental data service providers, and infrastructure 
providers, such as providers of ground-based surveillance, command-and-
control, and information exchange to another party.
    (g) Rules of Construction.--
        (1) Beyond visual line of sight operations.--Nothing in this 
    section shall be construed to prevent or prohibit beyond visual 
    line of sight operations of unmanned aircraft systems, or other 
    types of operations, through the use of technologies other than 
    third-party capabilities and services.
        (2) Airspace.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
    alter the authorities provided under section 40103 of title 49, 
    United States Code.
    SEC. 933. SPECIAL AUTHORITY FOR TRANSPORT OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS BY 
      COMMERCIAL PACKAGE DELIVERY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.
    (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other Federal requirement or 
restriction related to the transportation of hazardous materials on 
aircraft, the Secretary shall, beginning not later than 180 days after 
enactment of this section, use a risk-based approach to establish the 
operational requirements, standards, or special permits necessary to 
approve or authorize an air carrier to transport hazardous materials by 
unmanned aircraft systems providing common carriage under part 135 of 
title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, or under successor authorities, 
as applicable, based on the weight, amount, and type of hazardous 
material being transported and the characteristics of the operations 
subject to such requirements, standards, or special purposes.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall consider, at a minimum--
        (1) the safety of the public and users of the national airspace 
    system;
        (2) efficiencies of allowing the safe transportation of 
    hazardous materials by unmanned aircraft systems and whether such 
    transportation complies with the hazardous materials regulations 
    under subchapter C of chapter I of title 49, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, including any changes to such regulations issued 
    pursuant to this section;
        (3) the risk profile of the transportation of hazardous 
    materials by unmanned aircraft systems, taking into consideration 
    the risk associated with differing weights, quantities, and packing 
    group classifications of hazardous materials;
        (4) mitigations to the risk of the hazardous materials being 
    transported, based on the weight, amount, and type of materials 
    being transported and the characteristics of the operation, 
    including operational and aircraft-based mitigations; and
        (5) the altitude at which unmanned aircraft operations are 
    conducted.
    (c) Safety Risk Assessments.--The Secretary may require unmanned 
aircraft systems operators to submit a safety risk assessment 
acceptable to the Administrator, as part of the operator certification 
process, in order for such operators to perform the carriage of 
hazardous materials as authorized under this section.
    (d) Conformity of Hazardous Materials Regulations.--The Secretary 
shall make such changes as are necessary to conform the hazardous 
materials regulations under parts 173 and 175 of title 49, Code of 
Federal Regulations, to this section. Such changes shall be made 
concurrently with the activities described in subsection (a).
    (e) Stakeholder Input on Changes to the Hazardous Materials 
Regulations.--
        (1) Implementation.--Not later than 180 days of the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall hold a public meeting to 
    obtain input on changes necessary to implement this section.
        (2) Periodic updates.--The Secretary shall--
            (A) periodically review, as necessary, amounts of hazardous 
        materials allowed to be carried by unmanned aircraft systems 
        pursuant to this section; and
            (B) determine whether such amounts should be revised, based 
        on operational and safety data, without negatively impacting 
        overall aviation safety.
    (f) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed 
to--
        (1) limit the authority of the Secretary, the Administrator, or 
    the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
    Administration from implementing requirements to ensure the safe 
    carriage of hazardous materials by aircraft; and
        (2) confer upon the Administrator the authorities of the 
    Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety 
    Administration under part 175 of title 49, Code of Federal 
    Regulations, and chapter 51 of title 49, United States Code.
    (g) Definition of Hazardous Materials.--In this section, the term 
``hazardous materials'' has the meaning given such term in section 5102 
of title 49, United States Code.
    SEC. 934. OPERATIONS OVER HIGH SEAS.
    (a) In General.--To the extent permitted by treaty obligations of 
the United States, including the Convention on International Civil 
Aviation (in this section referred to as ``ICAO''), the Administrator 
shall work with other civil aviation authorities to establish and 
implement operational approval processes to permit unmanned aircraft 
systems to operate over the high seas within flight information regions 
for which the United States is responsible for operational control.
    (b) Consultation.--In establishing and implementing the operational 
approval process under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consult 
with appropriate stakeholders, including industry stakeholders.
    (c) ICAO Activities.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall engage ICAO through the 
submission of a working paper, panel proposal, or other appropriate 
mechanism to clarify the permissibility of unmanned aircraft systems to 
operate over the high seas.
    (d) Review.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall review whether, and to what extent, 
ICAO member states are approving the operation of unmanned aircraft 
systems over the high seas and brief the appropriate committees of 
Congress regarding the findings of such review.
    SEC. 935. PROTECTION OF PUBLIC GATHERINGS.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44812. Temporary flight restrictions for unmanned aircraft
    ``(a) In General.--
        ``(1) Temporary flight restrictions.--The Administrator of the 
    Federal Aviation Administration shall, upon the request by an 
    eligible entity, temporarily restrict unmanned aircraft operations 
    over eligible large public gatherings.
        ``(2) Denial.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Administrator 
    may deny a request for a temporary flight restriction sought under 
    paragraph (1) if--
            ``(A) the temporary flight restriction would be 
        inconsistent with aviation safety or security, would create a 
        hazard to people or property on the ground, or would 
        unnecessarily interfere with the efficient use of the airspace;
            ``(B) the entity seeking the temporary flight restriction 
        does not comply with the requirements in subsection (b);
            ``(C) the eligibility requirements in subsections (c) and 
        (d) have not been met;
            ``(D) a flight restriction exists to the airspace overlying 
        the same location as the temporary flight restriction sought 
        under this section; or
            ``(E) the Administrator determines appropriate for any 
        other reason.
    ``(b) Requirements.--
        ``(1) Advance notice.--Eligible entities may only request a 
    temporary flight restriction under subsection (a) not less than 30 
    calendar days prior to the eligible large public gathering.
        ``(2) Required information.--Eligible entities seeking a 
    temporary flight restriction under this section shall provide the 
    Administrator with all relevant information, including the 
    following:
            ``(A) Geographic boundaries of the stadium or other venue 
        hosting the eligible large public gathering, as applicable.
            ``(B) The dates and anticipated starting and ending times 
        for the large public gathering.
            ``(C) Points of contact for the requesting eligible entity 
        and the on-scene incident command responsible for securing the 
        large public gathering.
            ``(D) Any other information the Administrator considers 
        necessary to establish the restriction.
    ``(c) Eligible Large Public Gatherings.--
        ``(1) In general.--To be eligible for a temporary flight 
    restriction under this section, large public gatherings hosted in a 
    stadium or other venue shall--
            ``(A) be hosted in a stadium or other venue that--
                ``(i) has previously hosted events qualifying for the 
            application of special security instructions in accordance 
            with section 521 of the Transportation, Treasury, and 
            Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2004 (Public Law 
            108-199); and
                ``(ii) is not enclosed;
            ``(B) have an estimated attendance of at least 30,000 
        people; and
            ``(C) be advertised in the public domain.
        ``(2) Additional gatherings.--To be eligible for a temporary 
    flight restriction under this section, large public gatherings 
    hosted in a venue other than a stadium or other venue described in 
    paragraph (1)(A) shall--
            ``(A) have an estimated attendance of at least 100,000 
        people;
            ``(B) be primarily outdoors;
            ``(C) have a defined and static geographical boundary; and
            ``(D) be advertised in the public domain.
    ``(d) Eligible Entities.--An entity eligible to request a temporary 
flight restriction under subsection (a) shall be a credentialed law 
enforcement organization of the Federal Government or a State, local, 
Tribal, or territorial government.
    ``(e) Timeliness.--The Administrator shall make every practicable 
effort to assess eligibility and establish temporary flight 
restrictions under subsection (a) in a timely fashion.
    ``(f) Public Information.--Any temporary flight restriction 
designated under this section shall be published by the Administrator 
in a publicly accessible manner at least 2 days prior to the start of 
the eligible large public gathering.
    ``(g) Prohibition on Operations.--No person may operate an unmanned 
aircraft within a temporary flight restriction established under this 
section unless--
        ``(1) the Administrator authorizes the operation for 
    operational or safety purposes;
        ``(2) the operation is being conducted for safety, security, or 
    compliance oversight purposes and is authorized by the 
    Administrator; or
        ``(3) the aircraft operation is conducted with the approval of 
    the eligible entity.
    ``(h) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section may be construed as 
prohibiting the Administrator from authorizing the operation of an 
aircraft, including an unmanned aircraft system, over, under, or within 
a specified distance from an eligible large public gathering for which 
a temporary flight restriction has been established under this section 
or cancelling a temporary flight restriction established under this 
section.
    ``(i) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to prevent the Administrator from using existing processes or 
procedures to meet the intent of this section.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``44812. Temporary flight restrictions for unmanned aircraft.''.
    SEC. 936. COVERED DRONE PROHIBITION.
    (a) Prohibitions.--The Secretary is prohibited from--
        (1) entering into, extending, or renewing a contract or 
    awarding a grant--
            (A) for the operation, procurement, or contracting action 
        with respect to a covered unmanned aircraft system; or
            (B) to an entity that operates (as determined by the 
        Administrator) a covered unmanned aircraft system in the 
        performance of such contract;
        (2) issuing a grant to a covered foreign entity for any project 
    related to covered unmanned aircraft systems; and
        (3) operating a covered unmanned aircraft system.
    (b) Exemptions.--The Secretary is exempt from any prohibitions 
under subsection (a) if the grant, operation, procurement, or 
contracting action is for the purposes of testing, researching, 
evaluating, analyzing, or training related to--
        (1) unmanned aircraft detection systems and counter-UAS 
    systems, including activities conducted--
            (A) under the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through 
        Research Excellence Center of Excellence of the FAA; or
            (B) by the unmanned aircraft system test ranges designated 
        under section 44803 of title 49, United States Code;
        (2) the safe, secure, or efficient operation of the national 
    airspace system or maintenance of public safety;
        (3) the safe integration of advanced aviation technologies into 
    the national airspace system, including activities carried out 
    under the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research 
    Excellence Center of Excellence of the FAA;
        (4) in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, 
    determining security threats of covered unmanned aircraft systems; 
    and
        (5) intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare 
    operations.
    (c) Waivers.--The Secretary may waive any restrictions under 
subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis by notifying the appropriate 
committees of Congress in writing, not later than 15 days after waiving 
such restrictions, that the procurement or other activity is in the 
public interest.
    (d) Replacement of Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems.--
        (1) In general.--The Secretary shall take such actions as are 
    necessary to replace any covered unmanned aircraft system that is 
    owned or operated by the Department of Transportation as of the 
    date of enactment of this Act with an unmanned aircraft system 
    manufactured in the United States or an allied country (as such 
    term is defined in section 2350f(d)(1) of title 10, United States 
    Code) if the capabilities of such covered unmanned aircraft system 
    are consequential to the work of the Department or the mission of 
    the Department.
        (2) Funding.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the 
    Secretary $5,000,000 to carry out this subsection.
    (e) Effective Dates.--
        (1) Operations.--The prohibitions under paragraphs (1) and (3) 
    of subsection (a) shall be in effect on the date of enactment of 
    this Act.
        (2) Grants.--The prohibitions under paragraphs (1) and (2) of 
    subsection (a) shall--
            (A) not apply to grants awarded before the date of 
        enactment of this Act; and
            (B) apply to grants awarded after the date of enactment of 
        this Act.
    (f) Application of Prohibitions.--The prohibitions under subsection 
(a) are applicable to all offices and programs of the Department of 
Transportation, including--
        (1) aviation research grant programs;
        (2) aviation workforce development programs established under 
    section 625 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
    note);
        (3) FAA Air Transportation Centers of Excellence;
        (4) programs established under sections 631 and 632 of the FAA 
    Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note); and
        (5) the airport improvement program under subchapter I of 
    chapter 471 of title 49, United States Code.
    (g) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall prevent a 
State, local, Tribal, or territorial governmental agency from procuring 
or operating a covered unmanned aircraft system purchased with non-
Federal funding.
    (h) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Covered foreign country.--The term ``covered foreign 
    country'' means any of the following:
            (A) The People's Republic of China.
            (B) The Russian Federation.
            (C) The Islamic Republic of Iran.
            (D) The Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
            (E) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
            (F) The Republic of Cuba.
            (G) Any other country the Secretary determines necessary.
        (2) Covered foreign entity.--The term ``covered foreign 
    entity'' means--
            (A) an entity included on the list developed and maintained 
        by the Federal Acquisition Security Council and published in 
        the System for Award Management;
            (B) an entity included on the Consolidated Screening List 
        or Entity List as designated by the Secretary of Commerce;
            (C) an entity that is domiciled in, or under the influence 
        or control of, a covered foreign country; or
            (D) an entity that is a subsidiary or affiliate of an 
        entity described under subparagraphs (A) through (C).
        (3) Covered unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``covered 
    unmanned aircraft system'' means--
            (A) a small unmanned aircraft, an unmanned aircraft, and 
        unmanned aircraft system, or the associated elements of such 
        aircraft and aircraft systems related to the collection and 
        transmission of sensitive information (consisting of 
        communication links and the components that control the 
        unmanned aircraft) that enable the operator to operate the 
        aircraft in the National Airspace System which is manufactured 
        or assembled by a covered foreign entity; and
            (B) an unmanned aircraft detection system or counter-UAS 
        system that is manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign 
        entity.
    SEC. 937. EXPANDING USE OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE GULF OF 
      MEXICO.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall prioritize the 
authorization of an eligible UAS test range sponsor partnering with an 
eligible airport authority to achieve the goals specified in subsection 
(b).
    (b) Goals.--The goals of a partnership authorized pursuant to 
subsection (a) shall be to test the operations of innovative 
technologies in both commercial and non-commercial applications, 
consistent with existing law, to--
        (1) identify challenges associated with aviation operations 
    over large bodies of water;
        (2) provide transportation of cargo and passengers to offshore 
    energy infrastructure;
        (3) assess the impacts of operations in saltwater environments;
        (4) identify the challenges of integrating such technologies in 
    complex airspace, including with commercial rotorcraft; and
        (5) identify the differences between coordinating with Federal 
    air traffic control towers and towers operated under the FAA 
    Contract Tower Program.
    (c) Briefing to Congress.--The Administrator shall provide an 
annual briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress on the status 
of the partnership authorized under this section, including detailing 
any barriers to the commercialization of innovative technologies in the 
Gulf of Mexico.
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Eligible airport authority.--The term ``eligible airport 
    authority'' means an AIP-eligible airport authority that is--
            (A) located in a state bordering the Gulf of Mexico which 
        does not already contain a UAS Test Range;
            (B) has an air traffic control tower operated under the FAA 
        Contract Tower Program;
            (C) is located within 60 miles of a port; and
            (D) does not have any scheduled passenger airline service 
        as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
        (2) Innovative technologies.--The term ``innovative 
    technologies'' means unmanned aircraft systems and powered-lift 
    aircraft.
        (3) UAS.--The term ``UAS'' means an unmanned aircraft system.

                   Subtitle B--Advanced Air Mobility

    SEC. 951. DEFINITIONS.
    In this subtitle:
        (1) Advanced air mobility.--The terms ``advanced air mobility'' 
    and ``AAM'' mean a transportation system that is comprised of urban 
    air mobility and regional air mobility using manned or unmanned 
    aircraft.
        (2) Powered-lift aircraft.--The term ``powered-lift aircraft'' 
    has the meaning given the term ``powered-lift'' in section 1.1 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        (3) Regional air mobility.--The term ``regional air mobility'' 
    means the movement of passengers or property by air between 2 
    points using an airworthy aircraft that--
            (A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed 
        propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift, 
        nontraditional power systems, or autonomous technologies;
            (B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320 
        pounds; and
            (C) is not urban air mobility.
        (4) Urban air mobility.--The term ``urban air mobility'' means 
    the movement of passengers or property by air between 2 points in 
    different cities or 2 points within the same city using an 
    airworthy aircraft that--
            (A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed 
        propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift, 
        nontraditional power systems, or autonomous technologies; and
            (B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320 
        pounds.
        (5) Vertiport.--The term ``vertiport'' means an area of land, 
    water, or a structure used or intended to be used to support the 
    landing, takeoff, taxiing, parking, and storage of powered-lift 
    aircraft or other aircraft that vertiport design and performance 
    standards established by the Administrator can accommodate.
    SEC. 952. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON FAA LEADERSHIP IN ADVANCED AIR 
      MOBILITY.
    It is the sense of Congress that--
        (1) the United States should take actions to become a global 
    leader in advanced air mobility;
        (2) as such a global leader, the FAA should--
            (A) prioritize work on the type certification of powered-
        lift aircraft;
            (B) publish, in line with stated deadlines, rulemakings and 
        policy necessary to enable commercial operations, such as the 
        Special Federal Aviation Regulation of the FAA titled 
        ``Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and 
        Operations; Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and 
        Airplanes'', issued on June 14, 2023 (2120-AL72);
            (C) work with global partners to promote acceptance of 
        advanced air mobility products; and
            (D) leverage the existing aviation system to the greatest 
        extent possible to support advanced air mobility operations; 
        and
        (3) the FAA should work with manufacturers, prospective 
    operators of powered-lift aircraft, and other relevant stakeholders 
    to enable the safe entry of such aircraft into the national 
    airspace system.
    SEC. 953. APPLICATION OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT 
      CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS FOR VERTIPORT PROJECTS.
    In considering the environmental impacts of a proposed vertiport 
project on an airport for purposes of compliance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the 
Administrator shall--
        (1) apply any applicable categorical exclusions in accordance 
    with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 
    et seq.) and subchapter A of chapter V of title 40, Code of Federal 
    Regulations; and
        (2) after consultation with the Council on Environmental 
    Quality, take steps to establish additional categorical exclusions, 
    as appropriate, for vertiports on an airport, in accordance with 
    the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
    seq.) and subchapter A of chapter V of title 40, Code of Federal 
    Regulations.
    SEC. 954. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY WORKING GROUP AMENDMENTS.
    Section 2 of the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership 
Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
        (1) in subsection (b) by striking ``, particularly passenger-
    carrying aircraft,'';
        (2) in subsection (d)(1) by striking subparagraph (D) and 
    inserting the following:
            ``(D) operators of airports, heliports, and vertiports, and 
        fixed-base operators;'';
        (3) in subsection (e)--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``1 
        year'' and inserting ``18 months'';
            (B) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``or that may impede such 
        maturation'' after ``AAM industry'';
            (C) in paragraph (7) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (D) in paragraph (8) by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (E) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(9) processes and programs that can be leveraged to improve 
    the efficiency of Federal reviews required for infrastructure 
    development, including for electrical capacity projects.'';
        (4) in subsection (f)--
            (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
            (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new 
        paragraph:
        ``(2) recommendations for sharing expertise and data on 
    critical items, including long-term electrification requirements 
    and the needs of cities (from a macro-electrification standpoint) 
    to enable the deployment of AAM; and''; and
            (D) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of 
        this section, by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting 
        ``paragraphs (1) and (2)''.
        (5) in subsection (g)--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking 
        ``working group'' and inserting ``Secretary of 
        Transportation'';
            (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
            (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
        ``(2) summarizing any dissenting views and opinions of a 
    participant of the working group described in subsection (c)(3); 
    and'';
        (6) in subsection (h)--
            (A) by striking ``Not later than 30 days'' and inserting 
        the following:
        ``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days''; and
            (B) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(2) Considerations for termination of working group.--In 
    deciding whether to terminate the working group under this 
    subsection, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator 
    of the Federal Aviation Administration, shall consider other 
    interagency coordination activities associated with AAM, or other 
    new or novel users of the national airspace system, that could 
    benefit from continued wider interagency coordination.''; and
        (7) in subsection (i)--
            (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``transports people and 
        property by air between two points in the United States using 
        aircraft with advanced technologies, including electric 
        aircraft or electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft,'' 
        and inserting ``is comprised of urban air mobility and regional 
        air mobility using manned or unmanned aircraft'';
            (B) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (7);
            (C) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (9);
            (D) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
        ``(5) Powered-lift aircraft.--The term `powered-lift aircraft' 
    has the meaning given the term `powered-lift' in section 1.1 of 
    title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
        ``(6) Regional air mobility.--The term `regional air mobility' 
    means the movement of passengers or property by air between 2 
    points using an airworthy aircraft that--
            ``(A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed 
        propulsion, vertical take-off and landing, powered-lift, non-
        traditional power systems, or autonomous technologies;
            ``(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320 
        pounds; and
            ``(C) is not urban air mobility.'';
            (E) by inserting after paragraph (7), as so redesignated, 
        the following:
        ``(8) Urban air mobility.--The term `urban air mobility' means 
    the movement of passengers or property by air between 2 points in 
    different cities or 2 points within the same city using an 
    airworthy aircraft that--
            ``(A) has advanced technologies, such as distributed 
        propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing, powered lift, 
        nontraditional power systems, or autonomous technologies; and
            ``(B) has a maximum takeoff weight of greater than 1,320 
        pounds.''; and
            (F) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(10) Vertiport.--The term `vertiport' means an area of land, 
    water, or a structure, used or intended to be used to support the 
    landing, take-off, taxiing, parking, and storage of powered lift or 
    other aircraft that vertiport design and performance standards 
    established by the Administrator can accommodate.''.
    SEC. 955. RULES FOR OPERATION OF POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT.
    (a) SFAR Rulemaking.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 7 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish a final rule 
    for the Special Federal Aviation Regulation of the FAA titled 
    ``Integration of Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; 
    Miscellaneous Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes'', 
    issued on June 14, 2023 (2120-AL72), establishing procedures for 
    certifying pilots of powered-lift aircraft and providing 
    operational rules for powered-lift aircraft capable of transporting 
    passengers and cargo.
        (2) Requirements.--With respect to any powered-lift aircraft 
    type certificated by the Administrator, the regulations established 
    under paragraph (1) shall--
            (A) provide a practical pathway for pilot qualification and 
        operations;
            (B) establish performance-based requirements for energy 
        reserves and other range- and endurance-related requirements 
        that reflect the capabilities and intended operations of the 
        aircraft;
            (C) provide for a combination of pilot training 
        requirements, including simulators, to ensure the safe 
        operation of powered-lift aircraft; and
            (D) to the maximum extent practicable, align powered-lift 
        pilot qualifications with section 2.1.1.4 of Annex 1 to the 
        Convention on International Civil Aviation published by the 
        International Civil Aviation Organization.
        (3) Considerations.--In developing the regulations required 
    under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall--
            (A) consider whether to grant an individual with an 
        existing commercial airplane (single- or multi-engine) or 
        helicopter pilot certificate the authority to serve as pilot-
        in-command of a powered-lift aircraft in commercial operation 
        following the completion of an FAA-approved pilot type rating 
        for such type of aircraft;
            (B) consult with the Secretary of Defense with regard to--
                (i) the Agility Prime program of the United States Air 
            Force;
                (ii) powered-lift aircraft evaluated and deployed for 
            military purposes, including the F-35B program; and
                (iii) the commonalities and differences between 
            powered-lift aircraft types and the handling qualities of 
            such aircraft; and
            (C) consider the adoption of the recommendations for 
        powered-lift operations, as appropriate, contained in document 
        10103 of the International Civil Aviation Organization titled 
        ``Guidance on the Implementation of ICAO Standards and 
        Recommended Practices for Tilt-rotors'', published in 2019.
    (b) Interim Application of Rules and Privileges in Lieu of 
Rulemaking.--
        (1) In general.--Beginning 16 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, if a final rule has not been published 
    pursuant to subsection (a)--
            (A) the rules in effect on the date that is 16 months after 
        the date of enactment of this Act that apply to the operation 
        and the operator of rotorcraft or fixed-wing aircraft under 
        subchapters F, G, H, and I of chapter 1 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations, shall be--
                (i) deemed to apply to--

                    (I) the operation of a powered-lift aircraft in the 
                national airspace system; and
                    (II) the operator of such a powered-lift aircraft; 
                and

                (ii) applicable, as determined by the operator of an 
            airworthy powered-lift aircraft in consultation with the 
            Administrator, and consistent with sections 91.3 and 91.13 
            of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
            (B) upon the completion of a type rating for a specific 
        powered-lift aircraft, airmen that hold a pilot or instructor 
        certification with airplane category ratings in any class or 
        rotorcraft category ratings in the helicopter class shall be 
        deemed to have privileges of a powered-lift rating for such 
        specific powered-lift aircraft.
        (2) Termination of interim rules and privileges.--This 
    subsection shall cease to have effect 1 month after the effective 
    date of a final rule issued pursuant to subsection (a).
    (c) Powered-lift Aircraft Aviation Rulemaking Committee.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date on which 
    the Administrator issues the first certificate to commercially 
    operate a powered-lift aircraft, the Administrator shall establish 
    an aviation rulemaking committee (in this section referred to as 
    the ``Committee'') to provide the Administrator with specific 
    findings and recommendations for, at a minimum, the creation of a 
    standard pathway for the--
            (A) performance-based certification of powered-lift 
        aircraft;
            (B) certification of airmen capable of serving as pilot-in-
        command of a powered-lift aircraft; and
            (C) operation of powered-lift aircraft in commercial 
        service and air transportation.
        (2) Considerations.--In providing findings and recommendations 
    under paragraph (1), the Committee shall consider the following:
            (A) Outcome-driven safety objectives to spur innovation and 
        technology adoption and promote the development of performance-
        based regulations.
            (B) Lessons and insights learned from previously published 
        special conditions and other Federal Register notices of 
        airworthiness criteria for powered-lift aircraft.
            (C) To the maximum extent practicable, aligning powered-
        lift pilot qualifications with section 2.1.1.4 of Annex 1 to 
        the Convention on International Civil Aviation published by the 
        International Civil Aviation Organization.
            (D) The adoption of the recommendations contained in 
        document 10103 of the International Civil Aviation Organization 
        titled ``Guidance on the Implementation of ICAO Standards and 
        Recommended Practices for Tilt-rotors'', published in 2019, as 
        appropriate.
            (E) Practical pathways for pilot qualification and 
        operations.
            (F) Performance-based requirements for energy reserves and 
        other range- and endurance-related designs and technologies 
        that reflect the capabilities and intended operations of the 
        aircraft.
            (G) A combination of pilot training requirements, including 
        simulators, to ensure the safe operation of powered-lift 
        aircraft.
        (3) Report.--The Committee shall submit to the Administrator a 
    report detailing the findings and recommendations of the Committee.
    (d) Powered-lift Aircraft Rulemaking.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 270 days after the date on 
    which the Committee submits the report under subsection (c)(3), the 
    Administrator shall initiate a rulemaking to implement the findings 
    and recommendations of the Committee, as determined appropriate by 
    the Administrator.
        (2) Requirements.--In developing the rulemaking under paragraph 
    (1), the Administrator shall--
            (A) consult with the Secretary of Defense with regard to 
        methods for pilots to gain proficiency and earn the necessary 
        ratings required to act as a pilot-in-command of powered-lift 
        aircraft;
            (B) consider and plan for unmanned and remotely piloted 
        powered-lift aircraft, and the associated elements of such 
        aircraft, through the promulgation of performance-based 
        regulations;
            (C) consider any information and experience gained from 
        operations and efforts that occur as a result of the Special 
        Federal Aviation Regulation of the FAA titled ``Integration of 
        Powered-Lift: Pilot Certification and Operations; Miscellaneous 
        Amendments Related to Rotorcraft and Airplanes'', issued on 
        June 14, 2023 (2120-AL72);
            (D) consider whether to grant an individual with an 
        existing commercial airplane (single- or multi-engine) or 
        helicopter pilot certificate the authority to serve as pilot-
        in-command of a powered-lift aircraft in commercial operation 
        following the completion of an FAA-approved pilot type rating 
        for such type of aircraft;
            (E) work to harmonize the certification and operational 
        requirements of the FAA with those of civil aviation 
        authorities with bilateral safety agreements in place with the 
        United States, to the extent such harmonization does not 
        negatively impact domestic manufacturers and operators; and
            (F) consider and plan for the use of alternative fuel types 
        and propulsion methods, including reviewing the performance-
        based nature of parts 33 and 35 of title 14, Code of Federal 
        Regulations, and any related recommendations provided to the 
        Administrator by the aviation rulemaking advisory committee 
        described in section 956.
    SEC. 956. ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS REGULATIONS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall task the Aviation Rulemaking 
Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Committee'') 
to provide the Administrator with specific findings and recommendations 
for regulations related to the certification and installation of--
        (1) electric engines and propellers;
        (2) hybrid electric engines and propulsion systems;
        (3) hydrogen fuel cells;
        (4) hydrogen combustion engines or propulsion systems; and
        (5) other new or novel propulsion mechanisms and methods as 
    determined appropriate by the Administrator.
    (b) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Committee 
shall consider, at a minimum, the following:
        (1) Outcome-driven safety objectives to spur innovation and 
    technology adoption, and promote the development of performance-
    based regulations.
        (2) Lessons and insights learned from previously published 
    special conditions and other published airworthiness criteria for 
    novel engines, propellers, and aircraft.
        (3) The requirements of part 33 and part 35 of title 14, Code 
    of Federal Regulations, any boundaries of applicability for 
    standalone engine type certificates (including highly integrated 
    systems), and the use of technical standards order authorizations.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after providing findings and 
recommendations under subsection (a), the Committee shall submit to the 
Administrator and the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
containing such findings and recommendations.
    (d) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the 
Committee submits the report under subsection (c), the Administrator 
shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress regarding plans of 
the FAA in response to the findings and recommendations contained in 
the report.
    SEC. 957. POWERED-LIFT AIRCRAFT ENTRY INTO SERVICE.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall, in consultation with 
exclusive bargaining representatives of air traffic controllers 
certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States Code, and any 
relevant stakeholder as determined appropriate by the Administrator, 
take such actions as may be necessary to safely integrate powered-lift 
aircraft into the national airspace system, including in controlled 
airspace, and learn from any efforts to adopt and update related policy 
and guidance.
    (b) Air Traffic Policies for Entry Into Service.--Not later than 40 
months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
update air traffic orders and policies, to the extent necessary, and 
address air traffic control system challenges in order to allow for--
        (1) the use of existing air traffic procedures, where 
    determined to be safe by the Administrator, by powered-lift 
    aircraft; and
        (2) the approval of letters of agreement between air traffic 
    control system facilities and powered-lift operators and 
    infrastructure operators to minimize the amount of active 
    coordination required for safe recurring powered-lift aircraft 
    operations, as appropriate.
    (c) Long-term Air Traffic Policies.--Beginning 40 months after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall--
        (1) continue to update air traffic orders and policies to 
    support the operation of powered-lift aircraft;
        (2) to the extent necessary, develop powered-lift specific 
    procedures for airports, heliports, and vertiports;
        (3) evaluate the human factors impacts on controllers 
    associated with managing powered-lift aircraft operations, consider 
    the impact of additional operations on air traffic controller 
    staffing, and make necessary changes to staffing, procedures, 
    regulations, and orders; and
        (4) consider the use of third-party service providers to manage 
    increased operations in controlled airspace to support, supplement, 
    and enhance the work of air traffic controllers.
    SEC. 958. INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTING VERTICAL FLIGHT.
    (a) Update to Design Standards.--The Administrator shall--
        (1) not later than December 31, 2024, publish an update to the 
    memorandum of the FAA titled ``Engineering Brief No. 105, Vertiport 
    Design'', issued on September 21, 2022 (EB No. 105);
        (2) not later than December 31, 2025, publish a performance-
    based vertiport design advisory circular; and
        (3) begin the work necessary to update the advisory circular of 
    the FAA titled ``Heliport Design'' (Advisory Circular 150/5390) in 
    order to provide performance-based guidance for heliport design, 
    including consideration of alternative fuel and propulsion 
    mechanisms.
    (b) Engineering Brief Sunset.--Upon the publication of an advisory 
circular pursuant to subsection (a)(2), the Administrator shall cancel 
the memorandum described in subsection (a)(1).
    (c) Dual Use Facilities.--The Administrator shall establish a 
mechanism by which owners and operators of aviation infrastructure can 
safely accommodate, or file a notice to accommodate, powered-lift 
aircraft if such infrastructure meets the safety requirements or 
guidance of the FAA for such aircraft.
    (d) Guidance, Forms, and Planning.--The Administrator shall--
        (1) not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of 
    this Act, ensure airport district offices of the FAA have 
    sufficient guidance and policy direction regarding the use and 
    applicability of heliport and vertiport design standards of the 
    FAA, and update such guidance routinely;
        (2) determine if updates to FAA Form 7460 and Form 7480 are 
    necessary and update such forms, as appropriate; and
        (3) ensure that the methodology and underlying data sources of 
    the Terminal Area Forecast of the FAA include commercial operations 
    conducted by aircraft regardless of propulsion type or fuel type.
    SEC. 959. CHARTING OF AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE.
    The Administrator shall increase efforts to update and keep current 
the Airport Master Record of the FAA, including by establishing a 
streamlined process by which the owners and operators of public and 
private aviation facilities with nontemporary, nonintermittent 
operations are encouraged to keep the information on such facilities 
current.
    SEC. 960. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM 
      EXTENSION.
    Section 101 of division Q of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2023 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended--
        (1) in subsection (b)--
            (A) in paragraph (2)--
                (i) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``, as well as the 
            use of existing airport and heliport infrastructure that 
            may require modifications to safely accommodate AAM 
            operations,'' after ``vertiport infrastructure''; and
                (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

                    (I) in clause (iii) by striking ``vertiport'' and 
                inserting ``locations for'';
                    (II) in clause (iv) by inserting ``and guidance'' 
                after ``any standards'';
                    (III) in clause (v) by striking ``vertiport 
                infrastructure'' and inserting ``urban air mobility and 
                regional air mobility operations''; and
                    (IV) in clause (x) by inserting ``or the 
                modification of aviation infrastructure'' after 
                ``operation of a vertiport'';

            (B) in paragraph (4)(B) by inserting ``the Department of 
        Defense, the National Guard,'' before ``or''; and
            (C) in paragraph (6)--
                (i) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``September 30, 
            2025'' and inserting ``September 30, 2027''; and
                (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

                    (I) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' at the end;
                    (II) in clause (ii) by striking the period at the 
                end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (III) by adding at the end the following:

                ``(iii) a description of--

                    ``(I) initial community engagement efforts and 
                responses from the public on the planning and 
                development efforts of eligible entities related to 
                urban air mobility and regional air mobility 
                operations;
                    ``(II) how eligible entities are planning for and 
                encouraging early adoption of urban air mobility and 
                regional air mobility operations;
                    ``(III) what role each level of government plays in 
                the process; and
                    ``(IV) whether such entities recommend specific 
                regulatory or guidance actions be taken by the 
                Secretary or any other head of a Federal agency in 
                order to support such early adoption.'';

        (2) by striking subsection (c)(1) and inserting the following:
        ``(1) Authorization.--Out of amounts made available under 
    section 106(k) of title 49, United States Code, there are 
    authorized to carry out this section $12,500,000 for each of fiscal 
    years 2023 through 2026, to remain available until expended.'';
        (3) in subsection (d) by striking ``2024'' and inserting 
    ``2026'' each place it appears; and
        (4) in subsection (e)--
            (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
        ``(1) Advanced air mobility; aam; regional air mobility; urban 
    air mobility; vertiport.--The terms `advanced air mobility', `AAM', 
    `regional air mobility', `urban air mobility', and `vertiport' have 
    the meaning given such terms in section 2(i) of the Advanced Air 
    Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act (49 U.S.C. 40101 note).''; 
    and
            (B) by striking paragraphs (9) and (10).
    SEC. 961. CENTER FOR ADVANCED AVIATION TECHNOLOGIES.
    (a) Plan.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall develop a plan to establish a Center 
for Advanced Aviation Technologies to support the testing and 
advancement of new and emerging aviation technologies.
    (b) Consultation.--In developing the plan under subsection (a), the 
Administrator may consult with the Advanced Air Mobility Working Group 
established in the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership 
Act (Public Law 117-203), as amended by this Act, and the interagency 
working group established in section 1042 of this Act.
    (c) Considerations.--In developing the plan under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall consider as roles and responsibilities for the 
Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies--
        (1) developing an airspace laboratory and flight demonstration 
    zones to facilitate the safe integration of advanced air mobility 
    aircraft into the national airspace system, with at least 1 such 
    zone to be established within the same geographic region as the 
    Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies and that also has 
    aviation manufacturers with relevant expertise, such as powered-
    lift;
        (2) establishing testing corridors for the purposes of 
    validating air traffic requirements for advanced air mobility 
    operations, operational procedures, and performance requirements, 
    with at least 1 such corridor to be established within the same 
    geographic region as the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies;
        (3) developing and facilitating technology partnerships with, 
    and between, industry, academia, and other government agencies, and 
    supporting such partnerships;
        (4) identifying new and emerging aviation technologies, 
    innovative aviation concepts, and relevant aviation services, 
    including advanced air mobility, powered-lift aircraft, and other 
    advanced aviation technologies, as determined appropriate by the 
    Administrator; and
        (5) any other duties, as determined appropriate by the 
    Administrator.
    (d) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the 
plan developed under subsection (a).
    (e) Center.--Not later than September 30, 2026, the Administrator 
shall establish the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies in 
accordance with the plan developed under subsection (a). In choosing 
the location for the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies, the 
Administrator shall give preference to a community or region with a 
strong aeronautical presence, specifically the presence of--
        (1) a large commercial airport or large air logistics center;
        (2) aviation manufacturing with expertise in advanced aviation 
    technologies, such as powered-lift;
        (3) existing FAA facilities or offices, such as a Center, 
    Institute, certificate management office, or a regional 
    headquarters;
        (4) airspace utilized for advanced aviation technology testing 
    activity, and capable of supporting a wide range of use cases;
        (5) proximity to both rural and urban communities;
        (6) State, local, or Tribal governments;
        (7) programs to support public-private partnerships for 
    advanced aviation technologies; and
        (8) academic institutions that offer programs relating to 
    advanced aviation technologies engineering.
    (f) Authorization.--Out of amounts made available under section 
106(k) of title 49, United States Code, $35,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2025 through 2028 is authorized to carry out this section.
    (g) Interaction With Other Entities.--The Administrator, in 
carrying out this section, shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
leverage the research and testing capacity and capabilities of the 
Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and, as appropriate, 
the unmanned aircraft test ranges established in section 44803 of title 
49, United States Code.
    (h) Savings Clauses.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
interfere with any of the following activities:
        (1) The ongoing activities of the unmanned aircraft test ranges 
    established in section 44803 of title 49, United States Code, to 
    the maximum extent practicable.
        (2) The ongoing activities of the William J. Hughes Technical 
    Center for Advanced Aerospace, to the maximum extent practicable.
        (3) The ongoing activities of the Center of Excellence for 
    Unmanned Aircraft Systems, to the maximum extent practicable.
        (4) The ongoing activities of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical 
    Center, to the maximum extent practicable.

                   TITLE X--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
                     Subtitle A--General Provisions

SEC. 1001. DEFINITIONS.
    In this title:
        (1) Covered committees of congress.--The term ``covered 
    committees of Congress'' means the Committee on Science, Space, and 
    Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
    Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
        (2) NASA.--The term ``NASA'' means the National Aeronautics and 
    Space Administration.
SEC. 1002. RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORIZATION OF 
APPROPRIATIONS.
    Section 48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (15) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
    semicolon; and
        (2) by striking paragraph (16) and inserting the following:
        ``(16) $280,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
        ``(17) $311,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
        ``(18) $323,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
        ``(19) $334,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
        ``(20) $345,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
SEC. 1003. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION; FUNDING FOR SAFETY RESEARCH AND 
DEVELOPMENT.
    Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Comptroller General shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report on the allocation of funding pursuant to section 
48102 of title 49, United States Code, to the Secretary to conduct 
civil aviation research and development and to assess the 
implementation of section 48102(b)(2) of such title.
SEC. 1004. NATIONAL AVIATION RESEARCH PLAN MODIFICATION.
    (a) Modification of Submission Deadline.--Section 44501(c)(1) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking ``the date of submission'' and inserting ``the 
    date that is 30 days after the date of submission''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following ``If such report cannot 
    be prepared and submitted by the date that is 30 days after the 
    date of submission of the President's budget to Congress, the 
    Administrator shall submit, before such date, a letter to the 
    Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
    and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee of Science, 
    Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives stating the 
    reason for delayed submission, impacts of the delay, and actions 
    taken to address circumstances that led to the delay.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 48102(g) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``the date of submission'' and 
inserting ``the date that is 30 days after the date of submission''.
SEC. 1005. ADVANCED MATERIALS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE ENHANCEMENTS.
    Section 44518 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
    ``(a) In General.--
        ``(1) Continued operations.--The Administrator shall--
            ``(A) continue operation of the Advanced Materials Center 
        of Excellence (referred to in this section as the `Center'); 
        and
            ``(B) make a determination on whether to award a grant to 
        the Center not later than 90 days after the date on which the 
        grants officer of the Federal Aviation Administration 
        recommends a proposal for award of such grant to the 
        Administrator.
        ``(2) Purposes.--The Center shall--
            ``(A) focus on applied research and training on the safe 
        use of composites and advanced materials, and related 
        manufacturing practices, in airframe structures; and
            ``(B) conduct research and development into aircraft 
        structure crash worthiness and passenger safety, as well as 
        address safe and accessible air travel of individuals with a 
        disability (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of 
        Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation)), including 
        materials required to facilitate safe wheelchair restraint 
        systems on commercial aircraft.''; and
        (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall--
        ``(1) promote and facilitate collaboration among member 
    universities, academia, the Administration, the commercial aircraft 
    industry, including manufacturers, commercial air carriers, and 
    suppliers, and other appropriate stakeholders for the purposes 
    under subsection (a) and the activities described in paragraphs (2) 
    through (4);
        ``(2) carry out research and development activities to advance 
    technology, improve engineering practices, and facilitate 
    continuing education in relevant areas of study, which shall 
    include--
            ``(A) all structural materials, including--
                ``(i) metallic and non-metallic based additive 
            materials, ceramic materials, carbon fiber polymers, and 
            thermoplastic composites;
                ``(ii) the long-term material and structural behavior 
            of such materials; and
                ``(iii) evaluating the resiliency and long-term 
            durability of advanced materials in high temperature 
            conditions and in engines for applications in advanced 
            aircraft; and
            ``(B) structural technologies, such as additive 
        manufacturing, to be used in applications within the commercial 
        aircraft industry, including traditional fixed-wing aircraft, 
        rotorcraft, and emerging aircraft types such as advanced air 
        mobility aircraft; and
        ``(3) conduct research activities for the purpose of improving 
    the safety and certification of aviation structures, materials, and 
    additively manufactured aviation products and components; and
        ``(4) conducting research activities to advance the safe 
    movement of all passengers, including individuals with a disability 
    (as defined in section 382.3 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations (or any successor regulation)), and individuals using 
    personal wheelchairs in flight, that takes into account the 
    modeling, engineering, testing, operating, and training issues 
    significant to all passengers and relevant stakeholders.''.
SEC. 1006. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44813. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall continue operation of the Center of Excellence for 
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (referred to in this section as the 
`Center').
    ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall carry out the following 
responsibilities:
        ``(1) Conduct applied research and training on the safe and 
    efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air 
    mobility into the national airspace system.
        ``(2) Promote and facilitate collaboration among academia, the 
    Federal Aviation Administration, Federal agency partners, and 
    industry stakeholders (including manufacturers, operators, service 
    providers, standards development organizations, carriers, and 
    suppliers), with respect to the safe and efficient integration of 
    unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility into the 
    national airspace system.
        ``(3) Establish goals set to advance technology, improve 
    engineering practices, and facilitate continuing education with 
    respect to the safe and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft 
    systems and advanced air mobility into the national airspace 
    system.
    ``(c) Program Participation.--The Administrator shall ensure the 
participation in the Center of institutions of higher education (as 
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
1001)) and research institutions that provide accredited bachelor's 
degree programs in aeronautical sciences that provide pathways to 
commercial pilot certifications and that include a focus on pilot 
training for women aviators.
    ``(d) Leveraging of Certain Capacity and Capabilities.--The 
Administrator shall, in carrying out research necessary to validate 
consensus safety standards accepted pursuant to section 44805, to the 
maximum extent practicable, leverage the research and testing capacity 
and capabilities of--
        ``(1) the Center;
        ``(2) the test ranges designated under section 44803;
        ``(3) existing Federal and non-Federal test ranges and 
    testbeds;
        ``(4) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and
        ``(5) the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced 
    Aerospace.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``44813. Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.''.
SEC. 1007. ASSURED SAFE CREDENTIALING AUTHORITY.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44814. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority
    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of 
enactment of this section, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation 
Administration shall establish a credentialing authority for the 
program of record of the Federal Aviation Administration (referred to 
in this section as `ASSUREd Safe') under the Center of Excellence for 
Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
    ``(b) Purposes.--ASSUREd Safe shall offer services throughout the 
United States, and to allies and partners of the United States, 
including--
        ``(1) online and in-person standards, education, and testing 
    for the use of unmanned aircraft systems by first responders for 
    emergency and disaster management operations;
        ``(2) uniform communications standards, operational standards, 
    and reporting standards for civilian, military, and international 
    allies and partners; and
        ``(3) any other relevant standards development related to 
    operation of unmanned aircraft systems, as determined appropriate 
    by the Administrator.
    ``(c) Coordination.--The Administrator shall ensure that the Center 
of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems coordinates with the 
National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency on establishment of ASSUREd Safe, and on 
any services offered by ASSUREd Safe.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 448 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the 
following:
``44814. ASSUREd Safe credentialing authority.''.
SEC. 1008. CLEEN ENGINE AND AIRFRAME TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP.
    Section 47511 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsonic'' after ``fuels 
    for civil''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Selection.--In carrying out the program, the Administrator 
may provide that not less than 2 of the cooperative agreements entered 
into under this section involve the participation of an entity that is 
a small business concern (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business 
Act (15 U.S.C. 632)), provided that the submitted technology proposal 
of the entity meets, at a minimum, FAA Acquisition Management System 
requirements and requisite technology readiness levels for entry into 
the agreement, as determined by the Administrator.''.
SEC. 1009. HIGH-SPEED FLIGHT TESTING.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with the 
Administrator of NASA, shall establish procedures for the exclusive 
purposes of developmental and airworthiness testing and demonstration 
flights, which may include the establishment of high-speed testing 
corridors in the national airspace system--
        (1) with respect to manufacturers and operators of high-speed 
    aircraft that conduct flights operating with supersonic speed, not 
    later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act; and
        (2) with respect to manufacturers and operators of high-speed 
    aircraft that conduct flights operating with hypersonic speed, not 
    later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
    (b) Areas of Testing and Demonstration.--The Administrator shall 
take action, as appropriate, to ensure flight testing and demonstration 
flights occur in areas where such flights will not interfere with the 
safety of other aircraft or the efficient use of airspace in the 
national airspace system.
    (c) Considerations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall consider--
        (1) sections 91.817 and 91.818 of title 14, Code of Federal 
    Regulations;
        (2) applications for special flight authorizations for flights 
    operating at supersonic or hypersonic speed, as described in 
    section 91.818 of such title;
        (3) the environmental impacts of developmental and 
    airworthiness testing operations;
        (4) requiring applicants to include specification of proposed 
    flight areas;
        (5) the authorization of flights to and from airports in Class 
    D airspace within 10 nautical miles of oceanic coastline;
        (6) developing the vertical limits at or above the altitude 
    necessary for safe supersonic and hypersonic operations;
        (7) proponent-provided data regarding the design and 
    operational analysis of the aircraft, as well as data regarding 
    sonic boom overpressures;
        (8) the safety of the uninvolved public; and
        (9) community outreach, education, and engagement.
    (d) Consultation.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the 
Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders, shall assess 
and report to the covered committees of Congress on a means for 
supporting continued compliance with the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The Administrator shall seek to 
enter into an agreement with an appropriate federally funded research 
and development center, or other independent nonprofit organization 
that recommends long term solutions for maintaining compliance with 
such Act for 1 or more over-land or near-land hypersonic and supersonic 
test areas as established by the Administrator.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) High-speed aircraft.--The term ``high-speed aircraft'' 
    means an aircraft operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1, 
    including supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.
        (2) Hypersonic.--The term ``hypersonic'' means flights 
    operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.
        (3) Supersonic.--The term ``supersonic'' means flights 
    operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than Mach 5.
SEC. 1010. HIGH-SPEED AIRCRAFT PATHWAY TO INTEGRATION STUDY.
    (a) Study.--
        (1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with 
    aircraft manufacturers and operators, institutions of higher 
    education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 
    1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), the Administrator of NASA, the Secretary of 
    Defense, and any other agencies the Administrator determines 
    appropriate, shall conduct a study assessing actions necessary to 
    facilitate the safe operation and integration of high-speed 
    aircraft into the national airspace system.
        (2) Contents.--The study conducted under paragraph (1) shall 
    include, at a minimum--
            (A) an initial assessment of cross-agency equities related 
        to high-speed aircraft technologies and flight;
            (B) the identification and collection of data required to 
        develop certification, flight standards, and air traffic 
        requirements for the deployment and integration of high-speed 
        aircraft;
            (C) the development of a framework and potential timeline 
        to establish the appropriate regulatory requirements for 
        conducting high-speed aircraft flights;
            (D) strategic plans to improve the FAA's state of 
        preparedness and response capability in advance of receiving 
        applications to conduct high-speed aircraft flights; and
            (E) a survey of global high-speed aircraft-related 
        regulatory and testing developments or activities.
        (3) Considerations.--In conducting the study under paragraph 
    (1), the Administrator may consider--
            (A) feedback and input reflecting the technical expertise 
        of the aerospace industry and other stakeholders, as the 
        Administrator determines appropriate, to inform future 
        development of policies, regulations, and standards that enable 
        the safe operation and integration of high-speed aircraft into 
        the national airspace system;
            (B) opportunities for--
                (i) demonstrating United States global leadership in 
            high-speed aircraft and related technologies; and
                (ii) strengthening global harmonization in aeronautics 
            including in the development of international policies 
            relating to the safe operation of high-speed aircraft; and
            (C) methods and opportunities for community outreach, 
        education, and engagement.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives a report on the results of the study conducted 
under subsection (a) and recommendations, if appropriate, to facilitate 
the safe operation and integration of high-speed aircraft into the 
national airspace system.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) High-speed aircraft.--The term ``high-speed aircraft'' 
    means an aircraft operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1, 
    including supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.
        (2) Hypersonic.--The term ``hypersonic'' means flights 
    operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.
        (3) Supersonic.--The term ``supersonic'' means flights 
    operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than Mach 5.
SEC. 1011. OPERATING HIGH-SPEED FLIGHTS IN HIGH ALTITUDE CLASS E 
AIRSPACE.
    (a) Research.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of 
NASA and any other relevant stakeholders the Administrator determines 
appropriate, including industry and academia, shall undertake research 
to identify, to the maximum extent practicable, the minimum altitude 
above the upper boundary of Class A airspace, at or above which flights 
operating with speeds above Mach 1 generate sonic booms that do not 
produce appreciable sonic boom overpressures that reach the surface 
under prevailing atmospheric conditions.
    (b) Hypersonic Defined.--In this section, the term ``hypersonic'' 
means a flight operating at speeds that exceed Mach 5.
SEC. 1012. ELECTRIC PROPULSION AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS STUDY.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study 
assessing the safe and scalable operation and integration of electric 
aircraft into the national airspace system.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall address--
        (1) identification of the workforce technical capacity and 
    competencies needed for the Administrator to certify aircraft 
    systems specific to electric aircraft;
        (2) the data development and collection required to develop 
    standards specific to electric aircraft;
        (3) the regulatory standards and guidance material needed to 
    facilitate the safe operation and maintenance of electric aircraft, 
    including--
            (A) fire protection;
            (B) high voltage electromagnetic environments;
            (C) engine and human machine interfaces;
            (D) reliability of high voltage components and insulation;
            (E) lithium batteries for propulsion use;
            (F) operating and pilot qualifications; and
            (G) airspace integration;
        (4) the airport infrastructure requirements to support electric 
    aircraft operations, including an assessment of--
            (A) the capabilities of airport infrastructure, including, 
        to the extent practicable, the capabilities and capacity of the 
        electrical power grid of the United States to support such 
        operations, including cost, challenges, and opportunities for 
        clean generation of electricity relating to such support, 
        existing as of the date of enactment of this Act;
            (B) aircraft operations specifications;
            (C) projected operations demand by carriers and other 
        operators;
            (D) potential modifications to existing airport 
        infrastructure;
            (E) additional investments in new infrastructure and 
        systems required to meet operations demand;
            (F) management of infrastructure relating to hazardous 
        materials used in hybrid and electric propulsion; and
            (G) ability of such current and future airport 
        infrastructure capabilities to adapt to meet the evolving needs 
        of electric aircraft operations; and
        (5) varying types of electric aircraft, including advanced air 
    mobility aircraft and small or regional passenger or cargo 
    aircraft.
    (c) Considerations.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General may consider the following:
        (1) The potential for improvements to air service connectivity 
    for communities through the deployment of electric aircraft 
    operations, including by--
            (A) establishing routes to small and rural communities; and
            (B) introducing alternative modes of transportation for 
        multimodal operations within communities.
        (2) Impacts to airport-adjacent communities, including 
    implications due to changes in airspace utilization and land use 
    compatibility.
    (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
covered committees of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results 
of the study conducted under subsection (a) and recommendations for 
such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General 
determines appropriate.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Electric aircraft.--The term ``electric aircraft'' means an 
    aircraft with a fully electric or hybrid electric driven propulsion 
    system used for flight.
        (2) Advanced air mobility.--The term ``advanced air mobility'' 
    means a transportation system that transports passengers and cargo 
    by air between two points in the United States using aircraft with 
    advanced technologies, including aircraft with hybrid or electric 
    vertical take-off and landing capabilities, in both controlled and 
    uncontrolled airspace.
SEC. 1013. CONTRACT WEATHER OBSERVERS PROGRAM.
    Section 2306 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 
(Public Law 114-190; 130 Stat. 641) is amended by striking subsection 
(b) and inserting the following:
    ``(b) Continued Use of Contract Weather Observers.--The 
Administrator may not discontinue or diminish the contract weather 
observer program at any airport until September 30, 2028.''.
SEC. 1014. AIRFIELD PAVEMENT TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.
    Section 744 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-
254; 49 U.S.C. 44505 note) is amended to read as follows:
    ``SEC. 744. RESEARCH AND DEPLOYMENT OF CERTAIN AIRFIELD PAVEMENT 
      TECHNOLOGIES.
    ``Using amounts made available under section 48102(a) of title 49, 
United States Code, the Secretary may carry out a program for the 
research and development of airfield pavement technologies under which 
the Secretary makes grants to, and enters into cooperative agreements 
with, institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of 
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) and nonprofit 
organizations that--
        ``(1) research concrete and asphalt pavement technologies that 
    extend the life of airfield pavements;
        ``(2) develop sustainability and resiliency guidelines to 
    improve long-term pavement performance;
        ``(3) develop and conduct training with respect to such 
    airfield pavement technologies;
        ``(4) provide for demonstration projects of such airfield 
    pavement technologies; and
        ``(5) promote the latest airfield pavement technologies to aid 
    the development of safer, more cost effective, and more resilient 
    and sustainable airfield pavements.''.
SEC. 1015. REVIEW OF FAA MANAGEMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conduct a review of the 
management of research and development activities of the FAA, and the 
insight of the Administrator into, and coordination with, other Federal 
government research and development activities relating to civil 
aviation.
    (b) Review of FAA Management.--The review of the Comptroller 
General under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of how the 
Administrator--
        (1) plans, manages, and tracks progress of research and 
    development projects and activities and how FAA processes and 
    procedures compare with leading practices related to research and 
    development management and collaboration, as determined by the 
    Comptroller General;
        (2) prioritizes research and development objectives;
        (3) applies leading practices related to management of research 
    and development, enhancement of collaboration and cooperation, and 
    minimization of duplication, waste, and inefficiencies, in 
    conducting activities--
            (A) among FAA research and development programs;
            (B) with NASA, including--
                (i) the extent to which NASA and the FAA leverage each 
            other's laboratory and testing capabilities, facilities, 
            resources, and subject matter expert personnel in support 
            of aeronautics research and development programs and 
            projects;
                (ii) an assessment of--

                    (I) the fiscal year in which the review is 
                conducted, and the 3 fiscal years prior to such year, 
                of Federal expenditures and any applicable fluctuation 
                in the appropriated funds, for FAA and NASA research 
                and development programs and projects and the impact of 
                any funding changes on agency programs and projects; 
                and
                    (II) the extent to which other Federal agencies, 
                industry partners, and research organizations are 
                involved in such programs and projects; and

                (iii) recommendations, as appropriate, for the 
            improvement of such coordination and collaboration with 
            NASA;
            (C) with other relevant Federal agencies;
            (D) with international partners; and
            (E) with academia, research organizations, standards 
        groups, and industry;
        (4) interacts with the private sector, including by examining 
    the extent to which FAA--
            (A) takes into account private sector research and 
        development efforts in the management and investment of the 
        research and development activities and investments of the FAA; 
        and
            (B) assesses the impact of FAA research and development on 
        U.S. private sector aeronautics research and development 
        investments;
        (5) transitions the results of research and development 
    projects into operational use;
        (6) has implemented the recommendations in the report issued by 
    the Comptroller General titled ``Aviation Research and 
    Development'' issued April 2017 (GAO report 17-372) and the results 
    of the efforts to implement such recommendations; and
        (7) can improve management of research and development 
    activities and any recommendations as the Comptroller General 
    determines appropriate based on the results of the review.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after completing the review 
under required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall 
submit to the covered committees of Congress--
        (1) a report on such review and relevant findings; and
        (2) recommendations, including the recommendations developed 
    under paragraphs (3)(B)(iii) and (7) of subsection (b).
SEC. 1016. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF FAA'S AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION 
SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION ACTIVITIES.
    (a) In General.--Using amounts made available under section 
48102(a) of title 49, United States Code, and subject to the 
availability of appropriations, the Administrator, in coordination with 
the John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, shall 
establish a research and development program, not later than 60 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, to inform the continuous 
modernization of the aeronautical information systems of the FAA, 
including--
        (1) the Aeronautical Information Management Modernization, 
    including the Notice to Air Missions system of the FAA;
        (2) the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing 
    system; and
        (3) the Service Difficulty Reporting System.
    (b) Review and Report.--
        (1) Review.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall seek to enter into 
    an agreement with a federally funded research and development 
    center to conduct and complete a review of planned and ongoing 
    modernization efforts of the aeronautical information systems of 
    the FAA. Such review shall identify opportunities for additional 
    coordination between the Administrator and the John A. Volpe 
    National Transportation Systems Center to further modernize such 
    systems.
        (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the Administrator 
    enters into the agreement with the center under paragraph (1), the 
    Center shall submit to the Administrator, the covered committees of 
    Congress, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
    the House of Representatives a report on the review conducted under 
    paragraph (1) and such recommendations as the Center determines 
    appropriate.
SEC. 1017. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR ALTERNATIVE JET FUELS AND 
ENVIRONMENT.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 445 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 44520. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and 
     Environment
    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall continue operation of 
the Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment (in 
this section referred to as the `Center').
    ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Center shall--
        ``(1) focus on research to--
            ``(A) assist in the development, qualification, and 
        certification of the use of aviation fuel from alternative and 
        renewable sources (such as biomass, next-generation feedstocks, 
        alcohols, organic acids, hydrogen, bioderived chemicals and 
        gaseous carbon) for commercial aircraft;
            ``(B) assist in informing the safe use of alternative 
        aviation fuels in commercial aircraft that also apply 
        electrified aircraft propulsion systems;
            ``(C) reduce community exposure to civilian aircraft noise 
        and pollutant emissions;
            ``(D) inform decision making to support United States 
        leadership on international aviation environmental issues, 
        including the development of domestic and international 
        standards; and
            ``(E) improve and expand the scientific understanding of 
        civil aviation noise and pollutant emissions and their impacts, 
        as well as support the development of improved modeling 
        approaches and tools;
        ``(2) examine the use of novel technologies and other forms of 
    innovation to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn in commercial 
    aircraft; and
        ``(3) support collaboration with other Federal agencies, 
    industry stakeholders, research institutions, and other relevant 
    entities to accelerate the research, development, testing, 
    evaluation, and demonstration programs and facilitate United States 
    sustainability and competitiveness in aviation.
    ``(c) Grant Authority.--The Administrator shall carry out the work 
of the Center through the use of grants or other measures, as 
determined appropriate by the Administrator pursuant to section 44513, 
including through interagency agreements and coordination with other 
Federal agencies.
    ``(d) Participation.--
        ``(1) Participation of educational and research institutions.--
    In carrying out the responsibilities described in subsection (b), 
    the Center shall include, as appropriate, participation by--
            ``(A) institutions of higher education and research 
        institutions that--
                ``(i) have existing facilities for research, 
            development, and testing; and
                ``(ii) leverage private sector partnerships;
            ``(B) other Federal agencies;
            ``(C) consortia with experience across the alternative 
        fuels supply chain, including with research, feedstock 
        development and production, small-scale development, testing, 
        and technology evaluation related to the creation, processing, 
        production, and transportation of alternative aviation fuel; 
        and
            ``(D) consortia with experience in innovative technologies 
        to reduce noise, emissions, and fuel burn in commercial 
        aircraft.
        ``(2) Use of nasa facilities.--The Center shall, in 
    consultation with the Administrator of NASA, consider using, on a 
    reimbursable basis, the existing and available capacity in 
    aeronautics research facilities at the Langley Research Center, the 
    NASA John H. Glenn Center at the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility, 
    and other appropriate facilities of the National Aeronautics and 
    Space Administration.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 445 of such 
title, as amended by section 817, is amended by inserting after the 
item relating to section 44519 the following:
``44520. Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and 
          Environment.''.
SEC. 1018. NEXT GENERATION RADIO ALTIMETERS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the aviation and 
commercial wireless industries, the National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, and 
other relevant government stakeholders, shall carry out an accelerated 
research and development program to inform the development and testing 
of the standards and technology necessary to ensure appropriate FAA 
certification actions and industry production that meets the 
installation requirements for next generation radio altimeters across 
all necessary aircraft by January 1, 2028.
    (b) Grant Program.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, 
the Administrator may award grants for the purposes of research and 
development, testing, and other activities necessary to ensure that 
next generation radio altimeter technology is developed, tested, 
certified, and installed on necessary aircraft by 2028, including 
through public-private partnership grants (which shall include 
protections for necessary intellectual property with respect to any 
private sector entity testing, certifying, or producing next generation 
radio altimeters under the program carried out under this section) with 
industry to ensure the accelerated production and installation by 
January 1, 2028.
    (c) Review and Report.--Not later than 180 days after the enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees 
of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of 
the House of Representatives a report on the steps the Administrator 
has taken as of the date on which such report is submitted and any 
actions the Administrator plans to take, including as part of the 
program carried out under this section, to ensure that next generation 
radio altimeter technology is developed, tested, certified, and 
installed by 2028.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to apply to efforts to retrofit the existing supply of 
altimeters in place as of the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1019. HYDROGEN AVIATION STRATEGY.
    (a) FAA and Department of Energy Leadership on Using Hydrogen to 
Propel Commercial Aircraft.--The Secretary, acting through the 
Administrator and jointly with the Secretary of Energy, shall exercise 
leadership in and shall conduct research and development activities 
relating to enabling the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation, 
including the safe and efficient use and sourcing of hydrogen to propel 
commercial aircraft.
    (b) Research Strategy.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the 
Administrator of NASA and other relevant Federal agencies, shall 
complete the development of a research and development strategy on the 
safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
    (c) Considerations.--The strategy developed under subsection (b) 
shall consider the following:
        (1) The feasibility, opportunities, challenges, and pathways 
    toward the potential and safe uses of hydrogen in civil aviation.
        (2) The use of hydrogen in addition to electric propulsion to 
    propel commercial aircraft and any related operational 
    efficiencies.
    (d) Exercise of Leadership.--The Secretary, the Administrator, and 
the Secretary of Energy shall carry out the research activities 
consistent with the strategy in subsection (b), and that may include 
the following:
        (1) Establishing positions and goals for the safe use of 
    hydrogen in civil aviation, including to propel commercial 
    aircraft.
        (2) Understanding of the qualification of hydrogen aviation 
    fuel, the safe transition to such fuel for aircraft, the 
    advancement of certification efforts for such fuel, and risk 
    mitigation measures for the use of such fuel in aircraft systems, 
    including propulsion and storage systems.
        (3) Through grant, contract, or interagency agreements, 
    carrying out research and development to understand the 
    contribution that the use of hydrogen would have on civil aviation, 
    including hydrogen as an input for conventional jet fuel, hydrogen 
    fuel cells as a source of electric propulsion, sustainable aviation 
    fuel, and power to liquids or synthetic fuel, and researching ways 
    of accelerating the introduction of hydrogen-propelled aircraft.
        (4) Reviewing grant eligibility requirements, loans, loan 
    guarantees, and other policies and requirements of the FAA and the 
    Department of Energy to identify ways to increase the safe and 
    efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
        (5) Considering the needs of the aerospace industry, aviation 
    suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed 
    base operators, and other stakeholders in creating policies that 
    enable the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
        (6) Coordinating with NASA, and obtaining input from the 
    aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen producers, 
    airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, academia and 
    other stakeholders regarding--
            (A) the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil 
        aviation, including--
                (i) updating or modifying existing policies on such 
            use;
                (ii) assessing barriers to, and benefits of, the 
            introduction of hydrogen in civil aviation, including 
            aircraft propelled by hydrogen;
                (iii) the operational differences between aircraft 
            propelled by hydrogen and aircraft propelled with other 
            types of fuels; and
                (iv) public, economic, and noise benefits of the 
            operation of commercial aircraft propelled by hydrogen and 
            associated aerospace industry activity; and
            (B) other issues identified by the Secretary, the 
        Administrator, the Secretary of Energy, or the advisory 
        committee established under paragraph (7) that must be 
        addressed in order to enable the safe and efficient use of 
        hydrogen in civil aviation.
        (7) Establish an advisory committee composed of representatives 
    of NASA, the aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen 
    producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, and 
    other stakeholders to advise the Secretary, the Administrator, and 
    the Secretary of Energy on the activities carried out under this 
    subsection.
    (e) International Leadership.--The Secretary, the Administrator, 
and the Secretary of Energy, in the appropriate international forums, 
shall take actions that--
        (1) demonstrate global leadership in carrying out the 
    activities required by subsections (a) and (b);
        (2) consider the needs of the aerospace industry, aviation 
    suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed 
    base operators, and other stakeholders identified under subsection 
    (b);
        (3) consider the needs of fuel cell manufacturers; and
        (4) seek to advance the competitiveness of the United States in 
    the safe use of hydrogen in civil aviation.
    (f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator 
and jointly with the Secretary of Energy, shall submit to the covered 
committees of Congress and the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report detailing--
        (1) the actions of the Secretary, the Administrator, and the 
    Secretary of Energy to exercise leadership in conducting research 
    relating to the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil 
    aviation;
        (2) the planned, proposed, and anticipated actions to update or 
    modify existing policies related to the safe and efficient use of 
    hydrogen in civil aviation, based on the results of the research 
    and development carried out under this section, including such 
    actions identified as a result of consultation with, and feedback 
    from, the aerospace industry, aviation suppliers, hydrogen 
    producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed base operators, 
    academia and other stakeholders identified under subsection (b); 
    and
        (3) a proposed timeline for any such actions pursuant to 
    paragraph (2).
SEC. 1020. AVIATION FUEL SYSTEMS.
    (a) Coordination.--The Secretary, in coordination with the 
stakeholders identified in subsection (b), shall review, plan, and make 
recommendations with respect to coordination and implementation issues 
relating to aircraft powered by new aviation fuels or fuel systems, 
including at a minimum, the following:
        (1) Research and technical assistance related to the 
    development, certification, operation, and maintenance of aircraft 
    powered by new aviation fuels and fuel systems, along with 
    refueling and charging infrastructure and associated technologies 
    critical to their deployment.
        (2) Data sharing with respect to the installation, maintenance, 
    and utilization of charging and refueling infrastructure at 
    airports.
        (3) Development and deployment of training and certification 
    programs for the development, construction, and maintenance of 
    aircraft, related fuel systems, and charging and refueling 
    infrastructure.
        (4) Any other issues that the Secretary, in consultation with 
    the Secretary of Energy, shall deem of interest related to the 
    validation and certification of new fuels for use or fuel systems 
    in aircraft.
    (b) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with--
        (1) the Department of Energy;
        (2) NASA;
        (3) the Department of the Air Force; and
        (4) other Federal agencies, as determined by the Secretary.
    (c) Prohibition on Duplication.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
activities conducted under this section do not duplicate other Federal 
programs or efforts.
    (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as 
granting the Environmental Protection Agency additional authority to 
establish alternative fuel emissions standards.
    (e) Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the covered committees of 
Congress a briefing on the results of the review of coordination 
efforts conducted under this section.
SEC. 1021. AIR TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE OVER UNITED STATES CONTROLLED 
OCEANIC AIRSPACE AND OTHER REMOTE LOCATIONS.
    (a) Persistent Aviation Surveillance Over Oceans and Remote 
Locations.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and other 
relevant Federal agencies, shall carry out research, development, 
demonstration, and testing to enable civil aviation surveillance over 
oceans and other remote locations to improve safety.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report on the activities carried out under this section.
    (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to duplicate existing efforts conducted by the Administrator, 
in coordination with other Federal agencies.
SEC. 1022. AVIATION WEATHER TECHNOLOGY REVIEW.
    (a) Review.--The Administrator, in consultation with the 
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
shall conduct a review of current and planned research, modeling, and 
technology capabilities that have the potential to--
        (1) more accurately detect and predict weather impacts to 
    aviation;
        (2) inform how advanced predictive models can enhance aviation 
    operations; and
        (3) increase national airspace system safety and efficiency.
    (b) Consideration.--The review required under subsection (a) shall 
include consideration of the unique impacts of weather on unmanned 
aircraft systems (as defined in section 44801 of title 49, United 
States Code) and advanced air mobility operations.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report containing the results of the review conducted under 
subsection (a).
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to duplicate existing efforts conducted by the Administrator, 
in consultation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration.
SEC. 1023. AIR TRAFFIC SURFACE OPERATIONS SAFETY.
    (a) Research.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of NASA and other 
appropriate Federal agencies, shall continue to carry out research and 
development activities relating to technologies and operations to 
enhance air traffic surface operations safety.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the research and development 
under subsection (a) shall examine the following:
        (1) Methods and technologies to enhance the safety and 
    efficiency of air traffic control operations related to air traffic 
    surface operations.
        (2) Emerging technologies installed in aircraft cockpits to 
    enhance ground situational awareness, including enhancements to the 
    operational performance of runway traffic alerting and runway 
    landing safety technologies.
        (3) Safety enhancements and adjustments to air traffic surface 
    operations to account for and enable safe operations of advanced 
    aviation technology.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees 
of Congress a report on the research and development activities carried 
out under this section, including regarding the transition into 
operational use of such activities.
SEC. 1024. TECHNOLOGY REVIEW OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE 
LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES.
    (a) Review.--The Administrator shall conduct a review of current 
and planned artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies 
to improve airport efficiency and safety.
    (b) Considerations.--In conducting the review required under 
subsection (a), the Administrator may consider--
        (1) identifying best practices and lessons learned from both 
    domestic and international artificial intelligence and machine 
    learning technology applications to improve airport operations; and
        (2) coordinating with other relevant Federal agencies to 
    identify China's domestic application of artificial intelligence 
    and machine learning technologies relating to airport operations.
    (c) Summaries.--The review conducted under subsection (a) shall 
include examination of the application of artificial intelligence and 
machine learning technologies to the following:
        (1) Jet bridges.
        (2) Airport service vehicles on airport movement areas.
        (3) Aircraft taxi.
        (4) Air traffic control operations.
        (5) Any other areas the Administrator determines necessary to 
    help improve airport efficiency and safety.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report containing the results of the review conducted under 
subsection (a).
SEC. 1025. RESEARCH PLAN FOR COMMERCIAL SUPERSONIC RESEARCH.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator 
of NASA and industry, shall provide to the covered committees of 
Congress a briefing on any plans to build on existing research and 
development activities and identify any further research and 
development needed to inform the development of Federal and 
international policies, regulations, standards, and recommended 
practices relating to the certification and safe and efficient 
operation of civil supersonic aircraft and supersonic overland flight.
    (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to duplicate existing research and development efforts 
conducted by the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator 
of NASA.
    (c) Supersonic Defined.--In this section, the term ``supersonic'' 
means flights operating at speeds in excess of Mach 1 but less than 
Mach 5.
SEC. 1026. ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator, in consultation with the 
National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the 
Federal Communications Commission, shall conduct research, engineering, 
and development related to the effective and efficient use and 
management of radio frequency spectrum in the civil aviation domain, 
including for aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, and advanced air 
mobility.
    (b) Contents.--The research, engineering, and development conducted 
under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum, address the following:
        (1) How reallocation or repurposing of radio frequency spectrum 
    adjacent to spectrum allocated for communication, navigation, and 
    surveillance may impact the safety of civil aviation.
        (2) The effectiveness of measures to identify risks, protect, 
    and mitigate against spectrum interference in frequency bands used 
    in civil aviation operations to ensure public safety.
        (3) The identification of any emerging civil aviation systems 
    and their anticipated spectrum requirements.
        (4) The implications of paragraphs (1) through (3) on existing 
    civil aviation systems that use radio frequency spectrum, including 
    on the operational specifications of such systems, as it relates to 
    existing and to future radio frequency spectrum requirements for 
    civil aviation.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report containing the results of the research, engineering, 
and development conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 1027. RESEARCH PLAN ON THE REMOTE TOWER PROGRAM.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered 
committees of Congress a comprehensive plan for research, development, 
testing, and evaluation needed to further mature remote tower 
technologies and systems and related requirements and provide a 
strategic roadmap to support deployment of such technologies.
    (b) Considerations.--In developing the plan under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall consider--
        (1) how remote tower systems could enhance certain air traffic 
    services, including providing additional air traffic support to 
    existing air traffic control tower operations and providing air 
    traffic support at airports without a manned air traffic control 
    tower;
        (2) the validation and certification timeline and structure of 
    the FAA;
        (3) existing remote tower technologies to the extent possible 
    to inform technology maturation and improvements;
        (4) new and developing remote tower technologies and the extent 
    to which remote tower systems enable the introduction of advanced 
    technological capabilities; and
        (5) collaborating with the exclusive bargaining representative 
    of air traffic controllers of the FAA certified under section 7111 
    of title 5, United States Code.
    (c) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to 
limit or otherwise delay testing, validating, certifying, or deploying 
remote tower technologies conducted under section 47124 title 49, 
United States Code.
SEC. 1028. AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING.
    (a) Research.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Administrator shall carry out a research program to evaluate 
opportunities to modernize, enhance, and streamline on-the-job training 
and training time for individuals seeking to become certified 
professional controllers of the FAA, as required by the Administrator.
    (b) Requirements.--In carrying out the research program under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
        (1) assess the benefits of deploying and using advanced 
    technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, 
    adaptive computer-based simulation, virtual reality, or augmented 
    reality, or any other technology determined appropriate by the 
    Administrator, to enhance air traffic controller knowledge 
    retention and controller performance, strengthen safety, and 
    improve the effectiveness of training time; and
        (2) include collaboration with labor organizations, including 
    the exclusive bargaining representative of air traffic controllers 
    of the FAA certified under section 7111 of title 5, United States 
    Code, and other stakeholders.
    (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report on the findings of the research under subsection (a).
    (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to delay the installation of tower simulation systems by the 
Administrator at FAA air traffic facilities across the national 
airspace system.
SEC. 1029. REPORT ON AVIATION CYBERSECURITY DIRECTIVES.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered 
committees of Congress a report on the status of the implementation by 
the Administrator of the framework developed under section 2111 of the 
FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-190; 49 
U.S.C. 44903 note).
    (b) Contents.--The report, at a minimum, shall include the 
following:
        (1) A description of the progress of the Administrator in 
    developing, implementing, and updating such framework.
        (2) An overview of completed research and development projects 
    to date and a description of remaining research and development 
    activities prioritized for the most needed improvements, with 
    target dates, to safeguard the national airspace system.
        (3) An explanation for any delays or challenges in so 
    implementing such section.
SEC. 1030. TURBULENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
    (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Administrator, in collaboration with the Administrator of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and in consultation with the 
Administrator of NASA, shall carry out applied research and development 
to--
        (1) enhance the monitoring and understanding of severe 
    turbulence, including clear-air turbulence; and
        (2) inform the development of measures to mitigate safety 
    impacts on crew and the flying public that may result from severe 
    turbulence.
    (b) Research and Development Activities.--In carrying out the 
research and development under subsection (a), the Administrator 
shall--
        (1) establish processes and procedures for comprehensive and 
    systematic data collection, through both instrumentation and pilot 
    reporting, of severe turbulence, including clear-air turbulence;
        (2) establish measures for storing and managing such data 
    collection;
        (3) support measures for monitoring and characterizing 
    incidents of severe turbulence;
        (4) consider relevant existing research and development from 
    other entities, including Federal departments and agencies, 
    academia, and the private sector; and
        (5) carry out research and development--
            (A) to understand the impacts of relevant factors on the 
        nature of turbulence, including severe turbulence and clear-air 
        turbulence;
            (B) to enhance turbulence forecasts for flight planning and 
        execution, seasonal predictions for schedule and route-
        planning, and long-term projections of severe turbulence, 
        including clear-air turbulence; and
            (C) on other subject matters areas related to severe 
        turbulence, as determined by the Administrator; and
        (6) support the effective transition of the results of research 
    and development to operations, in cases in which such transition is 
    appropriate.
    (c) Duplicative Research and Development Activities.--The 
Administrator shall ensure that research and development activities 
under this section do not duplicate other Federal programs relating to 
turbulence.
    (d) Turbulence Data.--
        (1) Commercial providers.--In carrying out the research and 
    development under subsection (a) and the activities described in 
    subsection (b), the Administrator may enter into agreements with 
    commercial providers for the following:
            (A) The purchase of turbulence data.
            (B) The placement on aircraft of instruments relevant to 
        understanding and monitoring turbulence.
        (2) Data access.--The Administrator shall make the data 
    collected under subsection (b) widely available and accessible to 
    the scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities, 
    including the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
    Administration, to the greatest extent practicable and in 
    accordance with FAA data management policies.
    (e) Report on Turbulence Research.--Not later than 15 months after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in collaboration 
with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, shall submit to the covered committees of Congress a 
report that--
        (1) details the activities conducted under this section, 
    including how the requirements of subsection (b) have contributed 
    to the goals described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a);
        (2) assesses the current state of scientific understanding of 
    the causes, occurrence rates, and past and projected future trends 
    in occurrence rates of severe turbulence, including clear-air 
    turbulence;
        (3) describes the processes and procedures for collecting, 
    storing, and managing, data in pursuant to subsection (b);
        (4) assesses--
            (A) the use of commercial providers pursuant to subsection 
        (d)(1); and
            (B) the need for any future Federal Government collection 
        or procurement of data and instruments related to turbulence, 
        including an assessment of costs;
        (5) describes how such data will be made available to the 
    scientific research, user, and stakeholder communities; and
        (6) identifies future research and development needed to inform 
    the development of measures to predict and mitigate the safety 
    impacts that may result from severe turbulence, including clear-air 
    turbulence.
SEC. 1031. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING COLLABORATIONS.
    Nothing in this title may be construed as modifying or limiting 
existing collaborations, or limiting potential engagement on future 
collaborations, between the Administrator, stakeholders, and labor 
organizations, including the exclusive bargaining representative of air 
traffic controllers certified under section 7111 of title 5, United 
States Code, pertaining to FAA research, engineering, development, 
demonstration, and testing activities.
SEC. 1032. LIMITATION.
    (a) Prohibited Activities.--None of the funds authorized in this 
title may be used to conduct research, develop, design, plan, 
promulgate, implement, or execute a policy, program, order, or contract 
of any kind with the Chinese Communist Party or any entity that is 
domiciled in China or under the influence of China unless such 
activities are specifically authorized by a law enacted after the date 
of enactment of this Act.
    (b) Exemption.--The Administrator is exempt from the prohibitions 
under subsection (a) if the prohibited activities are executed for the 
purposes of testing, research, evaluating, analyzing, or training 
related to--
        (1) counter-unmanned aircraft detection and mitigation systems, 
    including activities conducted--
            (A) under the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft 
        Systems of the FAA; or
            (B) by the test ranges designated under section 44803 of 
        title 49, United States Code;
        (2) the safe, secure, or efficient operation of the national 
    airspace system or maintenance of public safety;
        (3) the safe integration of advanced aviation technologies into 
    the national airspace system, including activities carried out by 
    the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems of the FAA;
        (4) in coordination with other relevant Federal agencies, 
    determining security threats of unmanned aircraft systems; and
        (5) intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare 
    operations.
    (c) Waivers.--
        (1) Public interest determination.--The Administrator may waive 
    any prohibitions under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis if 
    the Administrator determines that activities described in 
    subsection (a) are in the public interest.
        (2) Notification.--If the Administrator provides a waiver under 
    paragraph (1), the Administrator shall notify the covered 
    committees of Congress in writing not later than 15 days after 
    exercising such waiver.

    Subtitle B--Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility

SEC. 1041. DEFINITIONS.
    In this subtitle:
        (1) Advanced air mobility.--The term ``advanced air mobility'' 
    means a transportation system that is comprised of urban air 
    mobility and regional air mobility using manned or unmanned 
    aircraft.
        (2) Interagency working group.--The term ``interagency working 
    group'' means the advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft 
    systems interagency working group of the National Science and 
    Technology Council established under section 1042.
        (3) Labor organization.--The term ``labor organization'' has 
    the meaning given the term in section 2(5) of the National Labor 
    Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 152(5)), except that such term shall also 
    include--
            (A) any organization composed of labor organizations, such 
        as a labor union federation or a State or municipal labor body; 
        and
            (B) any organization which would be included in the 
        definition for such term under such section 2(5) but for the 
        fact that the organization represents--
                (i) individuals employed by the United States, any 
            wholly owned Government corporation, any Federal Reserve 
            Bank, or any State or political subdivision thereof;
                (ii) individuals employed by persons subject to the 
            Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.); or
                (iii) individuals employed as agricultural laborers.
        (4) National laboratory.--The term ``National Laboratory'' has 
    the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act 
    of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).
        (5) Technical standard.--The term ``technical standard'' has 
    the meaning given such term in section 12(d)(5) of the National 
    Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 
    note).
        (6) Unmanned aircraft system.--The term ``unmanned aircraft 
    system'' has the meaning given such term in section 44801 of title 
    49, United States Code.
SEC. 1042. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.
    (a) Designation.--
        (1) In general.--The National Science and Technology Council 
    shall establish or designate an interagency working group on 
    advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems to coordinate 
    Federal research, development, deployment, testing, and education 
    activities to enable advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft 
    systems.
        (2) Membership.--The interagency working group shall be 
    comprised of senior representatives from NASA, the Department of 
    Transportation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
    Administration, the National Science Foundation, the National 
    Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Homeland 
    Security, and such other Federal agencies as appropriate.
    (b) Duties.--The interagency working group shall--
        (1) develop a strategic research plan to guide Federal research 
    to enable advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems and 
    oversee implementation of the plan;
        (2) oversee the development of--
            (A) an assessment of the current state of United States 
        competitiveness and leadership in advanced air mobility and 
        unmanned aircraft systems, including the scope and scale of 
        United States investments in relevant research and development; 
        and
            (B) strategies to strengthen and secure the domestic supply 
        chain for advanced air mobility systems and unmanned aircraft 
        systems;
        (3) facilitate communication and outreach opportunities with 
    academia, industry, professional societies, State, local, Tribal, 
    and Federal governments, and other stakeholders;
        (4) facilitate partnerships to leverage knowledge and resources 
    from industry, State, local, Tribal, and Federal governments, 
    National Laboratories, unmanned aircraft systems test range (as 
    defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code), academic 
    institutions, and others;
        (5) coordinate with the advanced air mobility working group 
    established under section 2 of the Advanced Air Mobility 
    Coordination and Leadership Act (Public Law 117-203) and heads of 
    other Federal departments and agencies to avoid duplication of 
    research and other activities to ensure that the activities carried 
    out by the interagency working group are complementary to those 
    being undertaken by other interagency efforts; and
        (6) coordinate with the National Security Council and other 
    authorized agency coordinating bodies on the assessment of risks 
    affecting the existing Federal unmanned aircraft systems fleet and 
    outlining potential steps to mitigate such risks.
    (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter until December 31, 
2028, the interagency working group shall transmit to the covered 
committees of Congress a report that includes a summary of federally 
funded advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems research, 
development, deployment, and testing activities, including the budget 
for each of the activities described in this paragraph.
    (d) Rule of Construction.--The interagency working group shall not 
be construed to conflict with or duplicate the work of the interagency 
working group established under the advanced air mobility working group 
established by the Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership 
Act (Public Law 117-203).
SEC. 1043. STRATEGIC RESEARCH PLAN.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the interagency working group shall develop and 
periodically update, as appropriate, a strategic plan for Federal 
research, development, deployment, and testing of advanced air mobility 
systems and unmanned aircraft systems.
    (b) Considerations.--In developing the plan required under 
subsection (a), the interagency working group shall consider and use--
        (1) information, reports, and studies on advanced air mobility 
    and unmanned aircraft systems that have identified research, 
    development, deployment, and testing needed;
        (2) information set forth in the national aviation research 
    plan developed under section 44501(c) of title 49, United States 
    Code; and
        (3) recommendations made by the National Academies in the 
    review of the plan under subsection (d).
    (c) Contents of the Plan.--In developing the plan required under 
subsection (a), the interagency working group shall--
        (1) determine and prioritize areas of advanced air mobility and 
    unmanned aircraft systems research, development, demonstration, and 
    testing requiring Federal Government leadership and investment;
        (2) establish, for the 10-year period beginning in the calendar 
    year the plan is submitted, the goals and priorities for Federal 
    research, development, and testing which will--
            (A) support the development of advanced air mobility 
        technologies and the development of an advanced air mobility 
        research, innovation, and manufacturing ecosystem;
            (B) take into account sustained, consistent, and 
        coordinated support for advanced air mobility and unmanned 
        aircraft systems research, development, and demonstration, 
        including through grants, cooperative agreements, testbeds, and 
        testing facilities;
            (C) apply lessons learned from unmanned aircraft systems 
        research, development, demonstration, and testing to advanced 
        air mobility systems;
            (D) inform the development of voluntary consensus technical 
        standards and best practices for the development and use of 
        advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems;
            (E) support education and training activities at all levels 
        to prepare the United States workforce to use and interact with 
        advanced air mobility systems and unmanned aircraft systems;
            (F) support partnerships to leverage knowledge and 
        resources from industry, State, local, Tribal, and Federal 
        governments, the National Laboratories, Center of Excellence 
        for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research of the FAA, unmanned 
        aircraft systems test ranges (as defined in section 44801 of 
        title 49, United States Code), academic institutions, labor 
        organizations, and others to advance research activities;
            (G) leverage existing Federal investments; and
            (H) promote hardware interoperability and open-source 
        systems;
        (3) support research and other activities on the impacts of 
    advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems on national 
    security, safety, economic, legal, workforce, and other appropriate 
    societal issues;
        (4) reduce barriers to transferring research findings, 
    capabilities, and new technologies related to advanced air mobility 
    and unmanned aircraft systems into operation for the benefit of 
    society and United States competitiveness;
        (5) in consultation with the Council of Economic Advisers, 
    measure and track the contributions of unmanned aircraft systems 
    and advanced air mobility to United States economic growth and 
    other societal indicators; and
        (6) identify relevant research and development programs and 
    make recommendations for the coordination of relevant activities of 
    the Federal agencies and set forth the role of each Federal agency 
    in implementing the plan.
    (d) National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 
Evaluation.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into an agreement 
with the National Academies to review the plan every 5 years.
    (e) Public Participation.--In developing the plan under subsection 
(a), the interagency working group shall consult with representatives 
of stakeholder groups, which may include academia, research 
institutions, and State, industry, and labor organizations. Not later 
than 90 days before the plan, or any revision thereof, is submitted to 
Congress, the plan shall be published in the Federal Register for a 
public comment period of not less than 60 days.
    (f) Reports to Congress on the Strategic Research Plan.--
        (1) Progress report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the interagency working group described in 
    section 1042 of this Act shall transmit to the covered committees 
    of Congress a report that describes the progress in developing the 
    plan required under this section.
        (2) Initial report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the interagency working group shall transmit 
    to the covered committees of Congress the strategic research plan 
    developed under this section.
        (3) Biennial report.--Not later than 1 year after the 
    transmission of the initial report under paragraph (2) and every 2 
    years thereafter until December 31, 2033, the interagency working 
    group shall transmit to the covered committees of Congress a report 
    that includes an analysis of the progress made towards achieving 
    the goals and priorities for the strategic research plan.
SEC. 1044. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM AND 
ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
    (a) In General.--Consistent with the research plan in section 1043, 
the Administrator, in coordination with the Administrator of NASA and 
other Federal agencies, shall carry out and support research, 
development, testing, and demonstration activities and technology 
transfer, and activities to facilitate the transition of such 
technologies into application to enable advanced air mobility and 
unmanned aircraft systems and to facilitate the safe integration of 
advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems into the national 
airspace system, in areas including--
        (1) beyond visual-line-of-sight operations;
        (2) command and control link technologies;
        (3) development and integration of unmanned aircraft system 
    traffic management into the national airspace system;
        (4) noise and other societal and environmental impacts;
        (5) informing the development of an industry consensus vehicle-
    to-vehicle standard;
        (6) safety, including collisions between advanced air mobility 
    and unmanned aircraft systems of various sizes, traveling at 
    various speeds, and various other crewed aircraft or various parts 
    of other crewed aircraft of various sizes and traveling at various 
    speeds; and
        (7) detect-and-avoid capabilities.
    (b) Duplicative Research and Development Activities.--The 
Administrator shall ensure that research and development and other 
activities conducted under this section do not duplicate other Federal 
activities related to the integration of unmanned aviation systems or 
advanced air mobility.
    (c) Lessons Learned.--The Administrator shall apply lessons learned 
from unmanned aircraft systems research, development, demonstration, 
and testing to advanced air mobility systems.
    (d) Research on Approaches to Evaluating Risk.--The Administrator 
shall conduct research on approaches to evaluating risk in emerging 
vehicles, technologies, and operations for unmanned aircraft systems 
and advanced air mobility systems. Such research shall include--
        (1) defining quantitative metrics, including metrics that may 
    support the Administrator in making determinations, and research to 
    inform the development of requirements, as practicable, for the 
    operations of certain unmanned aircraft systems, as described under 
    section 44807 of title 49, United States Code;
        (2) developing risk-based processes and criteria to inform the 
    development of regulations and certification of complex operations, 
    to include autonomous beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations, of 
    unmanned aircraft systems of various sizes and weights, and 
    advanced air mobility systems; and
        (3) considering the utility of performance standards to make 
    determinations under section 44807 of title 49, United States Code.
    (e) Report.--Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of 
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the covered committees of 
Congress a report on the actions taken by the Administrator to 
implement provisions under this section that includes--
        (1) a summary of the costs and results of research under 
    subsection (a)(6);
        (2) a description of plans for and progress toward the 
    implementation of research and development under subsection (d);
        (3) a description of the progress of the FAA in using research 
    and development to inform FAA certification guidance and 
    regulations of--
            (A) large unmanned aircraft systems, including those 
        weighing more than 55 pounds; and
            (B) extended autonomous and remotely piloted operations 
        beyond visual line of sight in controlled and uncontrolled 
        airspace; and
        (4) a current plan for full operational capability of unmanned 
    aircraft systems traffic management, as described in section 376 
    the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 44802 note).
    (f) Parallel Efforts.--
        (1) In general.--Research and development activities under this 
    section may be conducted concurrently with the deployment of 
    technologies outlined in (a) and in carrying out the this title and 
    title IX.
        (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
    construed to delay appropriate actions to deploy the technologies 
    outlined in subsection (a), including the deployment of beyond 
    visual-line-of-sight operations of unmanned aircraft systems, or 
    delay the Administrator in carrying out this title and title IX, or 
    limit FAA use of existing risk methodologies to make determinations 
    pursuant to section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, prior to 
    completion of relevant research and development activities.
        (3) Practices and regulations.--The Administrator shall, to the 
    maximum extent practicable, use the results of research and 
    development activities conducted under this section to inform 
    decisions on whether and how to maintain or update existing 
    regulations and practices, or whether to establish new practices or 
    regulations.
SEC. 1045. PARTNERSHIPS FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND 
TESTING.
    (a) Study.--The Administrator shall seek to enter into an 
arrangement with the National Academy of Public Administration to 
examine research, development, demonstration, and testing partnerships 
of the FAA to advance unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air 
mobility and to facilitate the safe integration of unmanned aircraft 
systems into the national airspace system.
    (b) Considerations.--The Administrator shall ensure that the entity 
carrying out the study in subsection (a) shall--
        (1) identify existing FAA partnerships with external entities, 
    including academia and Centers of Excellence, industry, and 
    nonprofit organizations, and the types of such partnership 
    arrangements;
        (2) examine the partnerships in paragraph (1), including the 
    scope and areas of research, development, demonstration, and 
    testing carried out, and associated arrangements for performing 
    research and development activities;
        (3) review the extent to which the FAA uses the results and 
    outcomes of each partnership to advance the research and 
    development in unmanned aircraft systems;
        (4) identify additional research and development areas, if any, 
    that may benefit from partnership arrangements, and whether such 
    research and development would require new partnerships;
        (5) identify any duplication of ongoing or planned research, 
    development, demonstration, or testing activities;
        (6) identify effective and appropriate means for publication 
    and dissemination of the results and sharing with the public, 
    commercial, and research communities related data from such 
    research, development, demonstration, and testing conducted under 
    such partnerships;
        (7) identify effective mechanisms, either new or already 
    existing, to facilitate coordination, evaluation, and information-
    sharing among and between such partnerships;
        (8) identify effective and appropriate means for facilitating 
    technology transfer activities within such partnerships;
        (9) identify the extent to which such partnerships broaden 
    participation from groups historically underrepresented in science, 
    technology, engineering, and mathematics, including computer 
    science and cybersecurity, and include participation by industry, 
    workforce, and labor organizations; and
        (10) review options for funding models best suited for such 
    partnerships, which may include cost-sharing and public-private 
    partnership models with industry.
    (c) Transmittal.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall transmit to the covered 
committees of Congress the study described in subsection (a).

                        TITLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS

SEC. 1101. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
    (a) Title 49 Analysis.--The analysis for title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the item relating to subtitle IX and 
inserting the following:
``IX. MULTIMODAL FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION.........................70101''.

    (b) Subtitle I Analysis.--The analysis for subtitle I of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to chapter 
7.
    (c) Subtitle VII Analysis.--The analysis for subtitle VII of title 
49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to 
chapter 448 and inserting the following:
``448. Unmanned Aircraft Systems................................44801''.

    (d) Authority To Exempt.--Section 40109(b) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``sections 40103(b)(1) and (2) of 
this title'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 
40103(b)''.
    (e) Disposal of Property.--Section 40110(c)(4) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (a)(2)'' and inserting 
``subsection (a)(3)''.
    (f) General Procurement Authority.--Section 40110(d)(3) of title 
49, United States Code, is further amended--
        (1) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``, as in effect on 
    October 9, 1996'' after ``Policy Act'';
        (2) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``the Office of Federal 
    Procurement Policy Act'' and inserting ``division B of subtitle I 
    of title 41''; and
        (3) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``section 27(e)(3)(A)(iv) 
    of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act'' and inserting 
    ``section 2105(c)(1)(D) of title 41''.
    (g) Government-Financed Air Transportation.--Section 40118(g)(1) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``detection and 
reporting of potential human trafficking (as described in paragraphs 
(9) and (10)'' and inserting ``detection and reporting of potential 
severe forms of trafficking in persons and sex trafficking (as such 
terms are defined in paragraphs (11) and (12)''.
    (h) FAA Authority To Conduct Criminal History Record Checks.--
Section 40130(a)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``(42 U.S.C. 14616)'' and inserting ``(34 U.S.C. 40316)''.
    (i) Submissions of Plans.--Section 41313(c)(16) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``will consult'' and inserting 
``the foreign air carrier shall consult''.
    (j) Plans and Policy.--Section 44501(c) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
        (1) in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by striking ``40119,''; and
        (2) in paragraph (3) by striking ``Subject to section 40119(b) 
    of this title and regulations prescribed under section 40119(b),'' 
    and inserting ``Subject to section 44912(d)(2) and regulations 
    prescribed under such section,''.
    (k) Civil Penalty.--Section 44704(f) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (a)(6)'' and inserting 
``subsection (d)(3)''.
    (l) Use and Limitation of Amounts.--Section 44508 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``40119,'' each place it 
appears.
    (m) Structures Interfering With Air Commerce or National 
Security.--Section 44718(h) of title 49, United States Code, is amended 
to read as follows:
    ``(h) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `adverse impact on 
military operations and readiness' and `unacceptable risk to the 
national security of the United States' have the meaning given those 
terms in section 183a(h) of title 10.''.
    (n) Meteorological Services.--Section 44720(b)(2) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking ``the Administrator to persons'' and inserting 
    ``the Administrator, to persons''; and
        (2) by striking ``the Administrator and to'' and inserting 
    ``the Administrator, and to''.
    (o) Aeronautical Charts.--Section 44721(c)(1) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ``1947,'' and inserting ``1947''.
    (p) Flight Attendant Certification.--Section 44728(c) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``Regulation,'' and 
inserting ``Regulations,''.
    (q) Manual Surcharge.--The analysis for chapter 453 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``45306. Manual surcharge.''.

    (r) Schedule of Fees.--Section 45301(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``The Administrator shall establish'' and 
inserting ``The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration 
shall establish''.
    (s) Judicial Review.--Section 46110(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``subsection (l) or (s) of section 114'' 
and inserting ``subsection (l) or (r) of section 114''.
    (t) Civil Penalties.--Section 46301(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
        (1) in the heading for paragraph (6), by striking ``Failure to 
    collect airport security badges'' and inserting ``Failure to 
    collect airport security badges''; and
        (2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``Penalties relating to harm 
    to passengers with disabilities'' in the paragraph heading and 
    inserting ``Penalties relating to harm to passengers with 
    disabilities''.
    (u) Payments Under Project Grant Agreements.--Section 47111(e) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``fee'' and 
inserting ``charge''.
    (v) Agreements for State and Local Operation of Airport 
Facilities.--Section 47124(b)(1)(B)(ii) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking the second period at the end.
    (w) Use of Funds for Repairs for Runway Safety Repairs.--Section 
47144(b)(4) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``(42 U.S.C. 4121 et seq.)'' and inserting ``(42 U.S.C. 5121 et 
seq.)''.
    (x) Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.--Section 49106 of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a)(1)(B) by striking ``and section 49108 of 
    this title''; and
        (2) in subsection (c)(6)(C) by inserting ``the'' before 
    ``jurisdiction''.
    (y) Separability and Effect of Judicial Order.--Section 49112(b) of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by striking paragraph (1); and
        (2) by striking ``(2) Any action'' and inserting ``Any 
    action''.
SEC. 1102. TRANSPORTATION OF ORGANS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, 
shall convene a working group (in this section referred to as the 
``working group'') to assist in developing best practices for 
transportation of an organ in the cabin of an aircraft operating under 
part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and to identify 
regulations that hinder such transportation, if applicable.
    (b) Composition.--The working group shall be comprised of 
representatives from the following:
        (1) Air carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of 
    Federal Regulations.
        (2) Organ procurement organizations.
        (3) Organ transplant hospitals.
        (4) Flight attendants.
        (5) Other relevant Federal agencies involved in organ 
    transportation or air travel.
    (c) Considerations.--In establishing the best practices described 
in subsection (a), the working group shall consider--
        (1) a safe, standardized process for acceptance, handling, 
    management, and transportation of an organ in the cabin of such 
    aircraft; and
        (2) protocols to ensure the safe and timely transport of an 
    organ in the cabin of such aircraft, including through connecting 
    flights.
    (d) Recommendations.--Not later than 1 year after the convening of 
the working group, such working group shall submit to the Secretary a 
report containing recommendations for the best practices described in 
subsection (a).
    (e) Definition of Organ.--In this section, the term ``organ''--
        (1) has the meaning given such term in section 121.2 of title 
    42, Code of Federal Regulations; and
        (2) includes--
            (A) organ-related tissue;
            (B) bone marrow; and
            (C) human cells, tissues, or cellular or tissue-based 
        products (as such term is defined in section 1271.3(d) of title 
        21, Code of Federal Regulations).
SEC. 1103. ACCEPTANCE OF DIGITAL DRIVER'S LICENSE AND IDENTIFICATION 
CARDS.
    The Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to 
accept, in any instance where an individual is required to submit 
government-issued identification to the Administrator, a digital or 
mobile driver's license or identification card issued to such 
individual by a State.
SEC. 1104. QUASQUICENTENNIAL OF AVIATION.
    (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
        (1) December 17, 2028, is the 125th anniversary of the first 
    successful manned, free, controlled, and sustained flight by an 
    aircraft.
        (2) The first flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright in Kitty 
    Hawk, North Carolina, is a defining moment in the history of the 
    United States and the world.
        (3) The Wright brothers' achievement is a testament to their 
    ingenuity, perseverance, and commitment to innovation, which has 
    inspired generations of aviators and scientists alike.
        (4) The advent of aviation and the air transportation industry 
    has fundamentally transformed the United States and the world for 
    the better.
        (5) The 125th anniversary of the Wright brothers' first flight 
    is worthy of recognition and celebration to honor their legacy and 
    to inspire a new generation of Americans as aviation reaches an 
    inflection point of innovation and change.
    (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the 
Secretary, the Administrator, and the heads of other appropriate 
Federal agencies should facilitate and participate in local, national, 
and international observances and activities that commemorate and 
celebrate the 125th anniversary of powered flight.
SEC. 1105. LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN CARGO AIRCRAFT.
    (a) In General.--The standards adopted by the Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency in part 1030 of title 40, Code of 
Federal Regulations, and the requirements in part 38 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, that were finalized by the Administrator of the 
FAA under the final rule titled ``Airplane Fuel Efficiency 
Certification'', and published on February 16, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 
12634) in part 38 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, shall not 
apply to any covered airplane before the date that is 5 years after 
January 1, 2028.
    (b) Operational Limitation.--The Administrator shall limit to 
domestic use or international operations, consistent with relevant 
international agreements and standards, the operation of any covered 
airplane that--
        (1) does not meet the standards and requirements described in 
    subsection (a); and
        (2) received an original certificate of airworthiness issued by 
    the Administrator on or after January 1, 2028.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
        (1) Covered airplane.--The term ``covered airplane'' means an 
    airplane that--
            (A) is a subsonic jet that is a purpose-built freighter;
            (B) has a maximum takeoff mass greater than 180,000 
        kilograms but not greater than 240,000 kilograms; and
            (C) has a type design certificated prior to January 1, 
        2023.
        (2) Purpose-built freighter.--The term ``purpose-built 
    freighter'' means any airplane that--
            (A) was configured to carry cargo rather than passengers 
        prior to receiving an original certificate of airworthiness; 
        and
            (B) is configured to carry cargo rather than passengers.
SEC. 1106. PROHIBITION ON MANDATES.
    (a) Prohibition on Mandates.--The Administrator may not require any 
contractor to mandate that employees of such contractor obtain a COVID-
19 vaccine or enforce any condition regarding the COVID-19 vaccination 
status of employees of a contractor.
    (b) Prohibition on Implementation.--The Administrator may not 
implement or enforce any requirement that--
        (1) employees of air carriers be vaccinated against COVID-19;
        (2) employees of the FAA be vaccinated against COVID-19; or
        (3) passengers of air carriers be vaccinated against COVID-19 
    or wear a mask as a result of a COVID-19 related public health 
    measure.
SEC. 1107. COVID-19 VACCINATION STATUS.
    (a) In General.--Chapter 417 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 41729. COVID-19 vaccination status
    ``(a) In General.--An air carrier (as such term is defined in 
section 40102) may not deny service to any individual solely based on 
the vaccination status of the individual with respect to COVID-19.
    ``(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
construed to apply to the regulation of intrastate travel, 
transportation, or movement, including the intrastate transportation of 
passengers.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 417 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by inserting after the item 
relating to section 41728 the following:
``41729. COVID-19 vaccination status.''.

    (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section, or the 
amendment made by this section, shall be construed to permit or 
otherwise authorize an executive agency to enact or otherwise impose a 
COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
SEC. 1108. RULEMAKING RELATED TO OPERATING HIGH-SPEED FLIGHTS IN HIGH 
ALTITUDE CLASS E AIRSPACE.
    Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Administrator 
identifies the minimum altitude pursuant to section 1011, the 
Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of 
proposed rulemaking to amend sections 91.817 and 91.818 of title 14, 
Code of Federal Regulations, and such other regulations as appropriate, 
to permit flight operations with speeds above Mach 1 at or above the 
minimum altitude identified under section 1011 without specific 
authorization, provided that such flight operations--
        (1) show compliance with airworthiness requirements;
        (2) do not produce appreciable sonic boom overpressures that 
    reach the surface under prevailing atmospheric conditions;
        (3) have ordinary instrument flight rules clearances necessary 
    to operate in controlled airspace; and
        (4) comply with applicable environmental requirements.
SEC. 1109. FAA LEADERSHIP IN HYDROGEN AVIATION.
    (a) In General.--The Administrator shall exercise leadership in the 
development of Federal regulations, standards, best practices, and 
guidance relating to the safe and efficient certification of the use of 
hydrogen in civil aviation, including the certification of hydrogen-
powered commercial aircraft.
    (b) Exercise of Leadership.--In carrying out subsection (a), the 
Administrator shall--
        (1) develop a viable path for the certification of the safe use 
    of hydrogen in civil aviation, including hydrogen-powered aircraft, 
    that considers existing frameworks, modifying an existing 
    framework, or developing new standards, best practices, or guidance 
    to complement the existing frameworks, as appropriate;
        (2) review certification regulations, guidance, and other 
    requirements of the FAA to identify ways to safely and efficiently 
    certify hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft;
        (3) consider the needs of the aerospace industry, aviation 
    suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed 
    base operators, and other stakeholders when developing regulations 
    and standards that enable the safe certification and deployment of 
    the use of hydrogen in civil aviation, including hydrogen-powered 
    commercial aircraft, in the national airspace system; and
        (4) obtain the input of the aerospace industry, aviation 
    suppliers, hydrogen producers, airlines, airport sponsors, fixed 
    base operators, academia, research institutions, and other 
    stakeholders regarding--
            (A) an appropriate regulatory framework and timeline for 
        permitting the safe and efficient use of hydrogen in civil 
        aviation, including the deployment and operation of hydrogen-
        powered commercial aircraft in the United States, which may 
        include updating or modifying existing regulations;
            (B) how to accelerate the resolution of issues related to 
        data, standards development, and related regulations necessary 
        to facilitate the safe and efficient certification of the use 
        of hydrogen in civil aviation, including hydrogen-powered 
        commercial aircraft; and
            (C) other issues identified and determined appropriate by 
        the Administrator or the advisory committee established under 
        section 1019(d)(7) to be addressed to enable the safe and 
        efficient use of hydrogen in civil aviation, including the 
        deployment and operation of hydrogen-powered commercial 
        aircraft.
SEC. 1110. ADVANCING GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ON CIVIL SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT.
    Section 181 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 
note) is amended--
        (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``regulations, and 
    standards'' and inserting ``regulations, standards, and recommended 
    practices''; and
        (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(g) Additional Reports.--
        ``(1) Initial progress report.--Not later than 1 year after the 
    date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall 
    submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report 
    describing--
            ``(A) the progress of the actions described in subsection 
        (d)(1);
            ``(B) any planned, proposed, or anticipated action to 
        update or modify existing policies and regulations related to 
        civil supersonic aircraft, including such actions identified as 
        a result of stakeholder consultation and feedback (such as 
        landing and takeoff noise); and
            ``(C) any other information determined appropriate by the 
        Administrator.
        ``(2) Subsequent report.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
    on which the Administrator submits the initial progress report 
    under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall update the report 
    described in paragraph (1) and submit to the appropriate committees 
    of Congress such report.''.
SEC. 1111. LEARNING PERIOD.
    Section 50905(c)(9) of title 51, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``January 1, 2025''.
SEC. 1112. COUNTER-UAS AUTHORITIES.
    Section 210G(i) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 
124n(i)) is amended by striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting 
``October 1, 2024''.
SEC. 1113. STUDY ON AIR CARGO OPERATIONS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall initiate a study on the 
economic sustainability of air cargo operations.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the study required under subsection 
(a), the Comptroller General shall address the following:
        (1) Airport and cargo development strategies, including the 
    pursuit of new air carriers and plans for physical expansion.
        (2) Key historical statistics for passenger, cargo volumes, 
    including freight, express, and mail cargo, and operations, 
    including statistics distinguishing between passenger and freight 
    operations.
        (3) A description of air cargo facilities, including the age 
    and condition of such facilities and the square footage and 
    configuration of the landside and airside infrastructure of such 
    facilities, and cargo buildings.
        (4) The projected square footage deficit of the cargo 
    facilities and infrastructure described in paragraph (3).
        (5) The projected requirements and square footage deficit for 
    air cargo support facilities.
        (6) The general physical and operating issues and constraints 
    associated with air cargo operations.
        (7) A description of delays in truck bays associated with the 
    infrastructure and critical landside issues, including truck 
    maneuvering and queuing and parking for employees and customers.
        (8) The estimated cost of developing new cargo facilities and 
    infrastructure, including the identification of percentages for 
    development with a return on investment and without a return on 
    investment.
        (9) The projected leasing costs to tenants per square foot with 
    and without Federal funding of the non-return on investment 
    allocation.
        (10) A description of customs and general staffing issues 
    associated with air cargo operations and the impacts of such issues 
    on service.
        (11) An assessment of the impact, cost, and estimated cost 
    savings of using modern comprehensive communications and technology 
    systems in air cargo operations.
        (12) A description of the impact of Federal regulations and 
    local enforcement of interdiction and facilitation policies on 
    throughput.
    (c) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit to the 
appropriate committees of Congress the results of the study carried out 
under this section.
SEC. 1114. WING-IN-GROUND-EFFECT CRAFT.
    (a) Memorandum of Understanding.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 24 months after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Administrator and the Commandant of the 
    Coast Guard shall execute a memorandum of understanding governing 
    the specific roles, authorities, delineations of responsibilities, 
    resources, and commitments of the FAA and the Coast Guard, 
    respectively, pertaining to wing-in-ground-effect craft that are--
            (A) only capable of operating either in water or in ground 
        effect over water; and
            (B) operated exclusively over waters subject to the 
        jurisdiction of the United States.
        (2) Contents.--The memorandum of understanding described in 
    paragraph (1) shall--
            (A) cover, at a minimum, the processes of the FAA and the 
        Coast Guard will follow to promote communications, efficiency, 
        and nonduplication of effort in carrying out such memorandum of 
        understanding; and
            (B) provide procedures for, at a minimum--
                (i) the approval of wing-in-ground-effect craft 
            designs;
                (ii) the operation of wing-in-ground-effect craft, 
            including training and certification of persons responsible 
            for operating such craft;
                (iii) pilotage of wing-in-ground-effect craft;
                (iv) the inspection, including pre-delivery and 
            service, of wing-in-ground-effect craft; and
                (v) the maintenance of wing-in-ground-effect craft.
    (b) Status Briefing.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator and the Commandant shall brief 
the appropriate committees of Congress on the status of the memorandum 
of understanding described in subsection (a) as well as provide any 
recommendations for legislative action to improve efficacy or 
efficiency of wing-in-ground-effect craft governance.
    (c) Wing-in-ground-effect Craft Defined.--In this section, the term 
``wing-in-ground-effect craft'' means a craft that is capable of 
operating completely above the surface of the water on a dynamic air 
cushion created by aerodynamic lift due to the ground effect between 
the craft and the surface of the water.
SEC. 1115. CERTIFICATES OF AUTHORIZATION OR WAIVER.
    (a) Required Coordination.--
        (1) In general.--On an annual basis, the Administrator shall 
    convene a meeting with representatives of FAA-approved air shows, 
    the general aviation community, stadiums and other large outdoor 
    events and venues or organizations that run such events, the 
    Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice--
            (A) to identify scheduling conflicts between FAA-approved 
        air shows and large outdoor events and venues where--
                (i) flight restrictions will be imposed pursuant to 
            section 521 of division F of the Consolidated 
            Appropriations Act, 2004 (49 U.S.C. 40103 note); or
                (ii) any other restriction will be imposed pursuant to 
            FAA Flight Data Center Notice to Airmen 4/3621 (or any 
            successor notice to airmen); and
            (B) in instances where a scheduling conflict between events 
        is identified or is found to be likely to occur, develop 
        appropriate operational and communication procedures to ensure 
        for the safety and security of both events.
        (2) Scheduling conflict.--If the Administrator or any other 
    stakeholder party to the required annual coordination required in 
    paragraph (1) identifies a scheduling conflict outside of the 
    annual meeting at any point prior to the scheduling conflict, the 
    Administrator shall work with impacted stakeholders to develop 
    appropriate operational and communication procedures to ensure for 
    the safety and security of both events.
    (b) Operational Purposes.--Section 521(a)(2)(B) of division F of 
the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004 (49 U.S.C. 40103 note) is 
amended--
        (1) in clause (ii) by inserting ``(or attendees approved by)'' 
    after ``guests of'';
        (2) in clause (iv) by striking ``and'' at the end; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
                ``(vi) to permit the safe operation of an aircraft that 
            is operated by an airshow performer in connection with an 
            airshow, provided such aircraft is not permitted to operate 
            directly over the stadium (or adjacent parking facilities) 
            during the sporting event; and''.
SEC. 1116. DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL PORT OF ENTRY FOR THE IMPORTATION 
AND EXPORTATION OF WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE PRODUCTS BY THE UNITED STATES 
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.
    (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of funding and in 
accordance with subsection (b), the Director of the United States Fish 
and Wildlife Service shall designate 1 additional port as a ``port of 
entry designated for the importation and exportation of wildlife and 
wildlife products'' under section 14.12 of title 50, Code of Federal 
Regulations.
    (b) Criteria for Selecting Additional Designated Port.--The 
Director shall select the additional port to be designated pursuant to 
subsection (a) from among the United States airports that handled more 
than 8,000,000,000 pounds of cargo during 2022, as reported by the 
Federal Aviation Administration Air Carrier Activity Information 
System, and based upon the analysis submitted to Congress by the 
Director pursuant to the Wildlife Trafficking reporting directive under 
title I of Senate Report 114-281.
    (c) Authority to Accept Donations.--The Director may accept 
donations from private entities and, notwithstanding section 3302 of 
title 31, United States Code, may use those donations to fund the 
designation of the additional port pursuant to subsection (a).

            TITLE XII--NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

SEC. 1201. SHORT TITLE.
    This title may be cited as the ``National Transportation Safety 
Board Amendments Act of 2024''.
SEC. 1202. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
    Section 1118(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read 
as follows:
    ``(a) In General.--
        ``(1) Authorizations.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
    for purposes of this chapter--
            ``(A) $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
            ``(B) $145,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
            ``(C) $148,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
            ``(D) $151,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and
            ``(E) $154,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
        ``(2) Availability.--Amounts authorized under paragraph (1) 
    shall remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 1203. CLARIFICATION OF TREATMENT OF TERRITORIES.
    Section 1101 of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as 
follows:
``Sec. 1101. Definitions
    ``(a) In General.--In this chapter:
        ``(1) Accident.--The term `accident' includes damage to or 
    destruction of vehicles in surface or air transportation or 
    pipelines, regardless of whether the initiating event is accidental 
    or otherwise.
        ``(2) State.--The term `State' means a State of the United 
    States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, 
    American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
    ``(b) Applicability of Other Definitions.--Section 2101(23) of 
title 46 and section 40102(a) of this title shall apply to this 
chapter.''.
SEC. 1204. ADDITIONAL WORKFORCE TRAINING.
    (a) Training on Emerging Transportation Technologies.--Section 
1113(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in subparagraph (I) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
    semicolon;
        (2) in subparagraph (J) by striking the period and inserting 
    ``; and''; and
        (3) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(K) notwithstanding section 3301 of title 41, acquire 
    training on emerging transportation technologies if such training--
            ``(i) is required for an ongoing investigation; and
            ``(ii) meets the criteria under section 3304(a)(7)(A) of 
        title 41.''.
    (b) Additional Training Needs.--Section 1115(d) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting ``and in those subjects furthering 
the personnel and workforce development needs set forth in the 
strategic workforce plan of the Board as required under section 
1113(h)'' after ``of accident investigation''.
SEC. 1205. OVERTIME ANNUAL REPORT TERMINATION.
     Section 1113(g)(5) of title 49, United States Code, is repealed.
SEC. 1206. STRATEGIC WORKFORCE PLAN.
    Section 1113 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(h) Strategic Workforce Plan.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Board shall develop a strategic 
    workforce plan that addresses the immediate and long-term workforce 
    needs of the Board with respect to carrying out the authorities and 
    duties of the Board under this chapter.
        ``(2) Aligning the workforce to strategic goals.--In developing 
    the strategic workforce plan under paragraph (1), the Board shall 
    take into consideration--
            ``(A) the current state and capabilities of the Board, 
        including a high-level review of mission requirements, 
        structure, workforce, and performance of the Board;
            ``(B) the significant workforce trends, needs, issues, and 
        challenges with respect to the Board and the transportation 
        industry;
            ``(C) with respect to employees involved in transportation 
        safety work, the needs, issues, and challenges, including 
        accident severity and risk, posed by each mode of 
        transportation, and how the Board's staffing for each 
        transportation mode reflects these aspects;
            ``(D) the workforce policies, strategies, performance 
        measures, and interventions to mitigate succession risks that 
        guide the workforce investment decisions of the Board;
            ``(E) a workforce planning strategy that identifies 
        workforce needs, including the knowledge, skills, and abilities 
        needed to recruit and retain skilled employees at the Board;
            ``(F) a workforce management strategy that is aligned with 
        the mission of the Board, including plans for continuity of 
        leadership and knowledge sharing;
            ``(G) an implementation system that addresses workforce 
        competency gaps, particularly in mission-critical occupations; 
        and
            ``(H) a system for analyzing and evaluating the performance 
        of the Board's workforce management policies, programs, and 
        activities.
        ``(3) Planning period.--The strategic workforce plan developed 
    under paragraph (1) shall address a 5-year forecast period, but may 
    include planning for longer periods based on information about 
    emerging technologies or safety trends in transportation.
        ``(4) Plan updates.--The Board shall update the strategic 
    workforce plan developed under paragraph (1) not less than once 
    every 5 years.
        ``(5) Relationship to strategic plan.--The strategic workforce 
    plan developed under paragraph (1) may be developed separately 
    from, or incorporated into, the strategic plan required under 
    section 306 of title 5.
        ``(6) Availability.--The strategic workforce plan under 
    paragraph (1) and the strategic plan required under section 306 of 
    title 5 shall be--
            ``(A) submitted to the Committee on Transportation and 
        Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the 
        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
        Senate; and
            ``(B) made available to the public on a website of the 
        Board.''.
SEC. 1207. TRAVEL BUDGETS.
    (a) In General.--Section 1113 of title 49, United States Code, is 
further amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(i) Non-accident-related Travel Budget.--
        ``(1) In general.--The Board shall establish annual fiscal year 
    budgets for non-accident-related travel expenditures for each Board 
    member.
        ``(2) Notification.--The Board shall notify the Committee on 
    Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives 
    and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
    Senate of any non-accident-related travel budget overrun for any 
    Board member not later than 30 days of such overrun becoming known 
    to the Board.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 9 of the National Transportation 
Safety Board Amendments Act of 2000 (49 U.S.C. 1113 note) is repealed.
SEC. 1208. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.
    (a) In General.--Section 1114(b) of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
        (1) in the subsection heading by striking ``Trade Secrets'' and 
    inserting ``Certain Confidential Information''; and
        (2) in paragraph (1)--
            (A) by striking ``The Board'' and inserting ``In general.--
        The Board''; and
            (B) by striking ``information related to a trade secret 
        referred to in section 1905 of title 18'' and inserting 
        ``confidential information described in section 1905 of title 
        18, including trade secrets,''.
    (b) Aviation Enforcement.--Section 1151 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(d) Notification to Congress.--If the Board or Attorney General 
carry out such civil actions described in subsection (a) or (b) of this 
section against an airman employed at the time of the accident or 
incident by an air carrier operating under part 121 of title 14, Code 
of Federal Regulations, the Board shall immediately notify the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate of such civil actions, including--
        ``(1) the labor union representing the airman involved, if 
    applicable;
        ``(2) the air carrier at which the airman is employed;
        ``(3) the docket information of the incident or accident in 
    which the airman was involved;
        ``(4) the date of such civil actions taken by the Board or 
    Attorney General; and
        ``(5) a description of why such civil actions were taken by the 
    Board or Attorney General.
    ``(e) Subsequent Notification to Congress.--Not later than 15 days 
after the notification described in subsection (d), the Board shall 
submit a report to or brief the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate describing the 
status of compliance with the civil actions taken.''.
SEC. 1209. BOARD JUSTIFICATION OF CLOSED UNACCEPTABLE RECOMMENDATIONS.
    Section 1116(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as paragraphs 
    (4) through (7), respectively; and
        (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
        ``(3) a list of each recommendation made by the Board to the 
    Secretary of Transportation or the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
    that was closed in an unacceptable status in the preceding 12 
    months, including--
            ``(A) any explanation the Board received from the Secretary 
        or Commandant; and
            ``(B) any explanation from the Board as to why the 
        recommendation was closed in an unacceptable status, including 
        a discussion of why alternate means, if any, taken by the 
        Secretary or Commandant to address the Board's recommendation 
        were inadequate;''.
SEC. 1210. MISCELLANEOUS INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITIES.
    (a) Highway Investigations.--Section 1131(a)(1)(B) of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ``selects in cooperation 
with a State'' and inserting ``selects, concurrent with any State 
investigation, in which case the Board and the relevant State agencies 
shall coordinate to ensure both the Board and State agencies have 
timely access to the information needed to conduct each such 
investigation, including any criminal and enforcement activities 
conducted by the relevant State agency''.
    (b) Rail Investigations.--Section 1131(a)(1)(C) of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
        ``(C) a railroad--
            ``(i) accident in which there is a fatality or substantial 
        property damage, except--
                ``(I) a grade crossing accident or incident, unless 
            selected by the Board; or
                ``(II) an accident or incident involving a trespasser, 
            unless selected by the Board; or
            ``(ii) accident or incident that involves a passenger 
        train, except in any case in which such accident or incident 
        resulted in no fatalities or serious injuries to the passengers 
        or crewmembers of such train, and--
                ``(I) was a grade crossing accident or incident, unless 
            selected by the Board; or
                ``(II) such accident or incident involved a trespasser, 
            unless selected by the Board;''.
SEC. 1211. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF ACCIDENT REPORTS.
    Section 1131(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``public at reasonable cost.'' and inserting the following: 
``public--
        ``(1) in electronic form at no cost in a publicly accessible 
    database on a website of the Board; and
        ``(2) if the electronic form required in paragraph (1) is not 
    printable, in printed form upon a reasonable request at a 
    reasonable cost.''.
SEC. 1212. ENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR TIMELINESS OF REPORTS.
    Section 1131 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(f) Timeliness of Reports.--If any accident report under 
subsection (e) is not completed within 2 years from the date of the 
accident, the Board shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report 
identifying such accident report and the reasons for which such report 
has not been completed. The Board shall report progress toward 
completion of the accident report to each such Committees every 90 days 
thereafter, until such time as the accident report is completed.''.
SEC. 1213. ENSURING ACCESS TO DATA.
    Section 1134 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
    ``(g) Recorders and Data.--In investigating an accident under this 
chapter, the Board may require from a transportation operator or 
equipment manufacturer or the vendors, suppliers, subsidiaries, or 
parent companies of such manufacturer, or operator of a product or 
service which is subject to an investigation by the Board--
        ``(1) any recorder or recorded information pertinent to the 
    accident;
        ``(2) without undue delay, information the Board determines 
    necessary to enable the Board to read and interpret any recording 
    device or recorded information pertinent to the accident; and
        ``(3) design specifications or data related to the operation 
    and performance of the equipment the Board determines necessary to 
    enable the Board to perform independent physics-based simulations 
    and analyses of the accident situation.''.
SEC. 1214. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS.
    Section 1135(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ``public at reasonable cost.'' and inserting the following: 
``public--
        ``(1) in electronic form at no cost in a publicly accessible 
    database on a website of the Board; and
        ``(2) if the electronic form required in paragraph (1) is not 
    printable, in printed form upon a reasonable request at a 
    reasonable cost.''.
SEC. 1215. IMPROVING DELIVERY OF FAMILY ASSISTANCE.
    (a) Aircraft Accidents.--Section 1136 of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended--
        (1) in the heading by striking ``to families of passengers 
    involved in aircraft accidents'' and inserting ``to passengers 
    involved in aircraft accidents and families of such passengers'';
        (2) in subsection (a)--
            (A) by inserting ``within United States airspace or 
        airspace delegated to the United States'' after ``aircraft 
        accident'';
            (B) by striking ``National Transportation Safety Board 
        shall'' and inserting ``Board shall''; and
            (C) in paragraph (2)--
                (i) by striking ``emotional care and support'' and 
            inserting ``emotional care, psychological care, and family 
            support services''; and
                (ii) by striking ``the families of passengers involved 
            in the accident'' and inserting ``passengers involved in 
            the accident and the families of such passengers'';
        (3) in subsection (c)--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
        ``the families of passengers involved in the accident'' and 
        inserting ``passengers involved in the accident and the 
        families of such passengers'';
            (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``mental health and 
        counseling services'' and inserting ``emotional care, 
        psychological care, and family support services'';
            (C) in paragraph (3)--
                (i) by striking ``the families who have traveled to the 
            location of the accident'' and inserting ``passengers 
            involved in the accident and the families of such 
            passengers who have traveled to the location of the 
            accident'';
                (ii) by inserting ``passengers and'' before ``affected 
            families''; and
                (iii) by striking ``periodically'' and inserting 
            ``regularly''; and
            (D) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``passengers and'' 
        before ``families'';
        (4) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
    ``(d) Passenger Lists.--
        ``(1) Requests for passenger lists by the director of family 
    services.--
            ``(A) Requests by director of family support services.--It 
        shall be the responsibility of the director of family support 
        services designated for an accident under subsection (a)(1) to 
        request, as soon as practicable, from the air carrier or 
        foreign air carrier involved in the accident a passenger list, 
        which is based on the best available information at the time of 
        the request.
            ``(B) Use of information.--The director of family support 
        services may not release to any person information on a list 
        obtained under subparagraph (A), except that the director may, 
        to the extent the director considers appropriate, provide 
        information on the list about a passenger to--
                ``(i) the family of the passenger; or
                ``(ii) a local, Tribal, State, or Federal agency 
            responsible for determining the whereabouts or welfare of a 
            passenger.
            ``(C) Limitation.--A local, Tribal, State, or Federal 
        agency may not release to any person any information obtained 
        under subparagraph (B)(ii), except if given express authority 
        from the director of family support services.
            ``(D) Rule of construction.--Nothing in subparagraph (C) 
        shall be construed to preclude a local, Tribal, State, or 
        Federal agency from releasing information that is lawfully 
        obtained through other means independent of releases made by 
        the director of family support services under subparagraph (B).
        ``(2) Requests for passenger lists by designated 
    organization.--
            ``(A) Requests by designated organization.--The 
        organization designated for an accident under subsection (a)(2) 
        may request from the air carrier or foreign air carrier 
        involved in the accident a passenger list.
            ``(B) Use of information.--The designated organization may 
        not release to any person information on a passenger list but 
        may provide information on the list about a passenger to the 
        family of the passenger to the extent the organization 
        considers appropriate.'';
        (5) in subsection (g)(1) by striking ``the families of 
    passengers involved in the accident'' and inserting ``passengers 
    involved in the accident and the families of such passengers'';
        (6) in subsection (g)(3)--
            (A) in the paragraph heading by striking ``prevent mental 
        health and counseling'' and inserting ``prevent certain care 
        and support'';
            (B) by striking ``providing mental health and counseling 
        services'' and inserting ``providing emotional care, 
        psychological care, and family support services''; and
            (C) by inserting ``passengers and'' before ``families'';
        (7) in subsection (h)--
            (A) by striking ``National Transportation Safety''; and
            (B) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(3) Passenger list.--The term `passenger list' means a list 
    based on the best available information at the time of a request, 
    of the name of each passenger aboard the aircraft involved in the 
    accident.''; and
        (8) in subsection (i) by striking ``the families of passengers 
    involved in an aircraft accident'' and inserting ``passengers 
    involved in the aircraft accident and the families of such 
    passengers''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by striking the item relating to 
section 1136 and inserting the following:
``1136. Assistance to passengers involved in aircraft accidents and 
          families of such passengers.''.

    (c) Rail Accidents.--Section 1139 of title 49, United States Code, 
is amended--
        (1) in the heading by striking ``to families of passengers 
    involved in rail passenger accidents'' and inserting ``to 
    passengers involved in rail passenger accidents and families of 
    such passengers'';
        (2) in subsection (a) by striking ``National Transportation 
    Safety Board shall'' and inserting ``Board shall'';
        (3) in subsection (a)(2)--
            (A) by striking ``emotional care and support'' and 
        inserting ``emotional care, psychological care, and family 
        support services''; and
            (B) by striking ``the families of passengers involved in 
        the accident'' and inserting ``passengers involved in the 
        accident and the families of such passengers'';
        (4) in subsection (c)--
            (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``the 
        families of passengers involved in the accident'' and inserting 
        ``passengers involved in the accident and the families of such 
        passengers'';
            (B) in paragraph (1) by striking ``mental health and 
        counseling services'' and inserting ``emotional care, 
        psychological care, and family support services'';
            (C) in paragraph (3)--
                (i) by striking ``the families who have traveled to the 
            location of the accident'' and inserting ``passengers 
            involved in the accident and the families of such 
            passengers who have traveled to the location of the 
            accident''; and
                (ii) by inserting ``passengers and'' before ``affected 
            families''; and
            (D) in paragraph (4) by inserting ``passengers and'' before 
        ``families'';
        (5) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
    ``(d) Passenger Lists.--
        ``(1) Requests for passenger lists by the director of family 
    services.--
            ``(A) Requests by director of family support services.--It 
        shall be the responsibility of the director of family support 
        services designated for an accident under subsection (a)(1) to 
        request, as soon as practicable, from the rail passenger 
        carrier involved in the accident a passenger list, which is 
        based on the best available information at the time of the 
        request.
            ``(B) Use of information.--The director of family support 
        services may not release to any person information on a list 
        obtained under subparagraph (A), except that the director may, 
        to the extent the director considers appropriate, provide 
        information on the list about a passenger to--
                ``(i) the family of the passenger; or
                ``(ii) a local, Tribal, State, or Federal agency 
            responsible for determining the whereabouts or welfare of a 
            passenger.
            ``(C) Limitation.--A local, Tribal, State, or Federal 
        agency may not release to any person any information obtained 
        under subparagraph (B)(ii), except if given express authority 
        from the director of family support services.
            ``(D) Rule of construction.--Nothing in subparagraph (C) 
        shall be construed to preclude a local, Tribal, State, or 
        Federal agency from releasing information that is lawfully 
        obtained through other means independent of releases made by 
        the director of family support services under subparagraph (B).
        ``(2) Requests for passenger lists by designated 
    organization.--
            ``(A) Requests by designated organization.--The 
        organization designated for an accident under subsection (a)(2) 
        may request from the rail passenger carrier involved in the 
        accident a passenger list.
            ``(B) Use of information.--The designated organization may 
        not release to any person information on a passenger list but 
        may provide information on the list about a passenger to the 
        family of the passenger to the extent the organization 
        considers appropriate.'';
        (6) in subsection (g)--
            (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``the families of 
        passengers involved in the accident'' and inserting 
        ``passengers involved in the accident and the families of such 
        passengers''; and
            (B) in paragraph (3)--
                (i) in the paragraph heading by striking ``prevent 
            mental health and counseling'' and inserting ``prevent 
            certain care and support'';
                (ii) by striking ``providing mental health and 
            counseling services'' and inserting ``providing emotional 
            care, psychological care, and family support services''; 
            and
                (iii) by inserting ``passengers and'' before 
            ``families''; and
        (7) in subsection (h)--
            (A) by striking ``National Transportation Safety''; and
            (B) by adding at the end the following:
        ``(4) Passenger list.--The term `passenger list' means a list 
    based on the best available information at the time of the request, 
    of the name of each passenger aboard the rail passenger carrier's 
    train involved in the accident. A rail passenger carrier shall use 
    reasonable efforts, with respect to its unreserved trains, and 
    passengers not holding reservations on its other trains, to 
    ascertain the names of passengers aboard a train involved in an 
    accident.''.
    (d) Plans To Address Needs of Families of Passengers Involved in 
Rail Passenger Accidents.--Section 24316(a) of title 49, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ``a major'' and inserting ``any''.
    (e) Information for Families of Individuals Involved in 
Accidents.--Section 1140 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
        (1) in the heading by striking ``for families of individuals 
    involved in accidents'' and inserting ``individuals involved in 
    accidents and families of such individuals''; and
        (2) by striking ``the families of individuals involved in the 
    accident'' and inserting ``individuals involved in accidents and 
    the families of such individuals''.
    (f) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of title 49, 
United States Code, is further amended by striking the item relating to 
section 1139 and inserting the following:
``1139. Assistance to passengers involved in rail passenger accidents 
          and families of such passengers.''.
SEC. 1216. UPDATING CIVIL PENALTY AUTHORITY.
    (a) In General.--Section 1155 of title 49, United States Code, is 
amended--
        (1) in the heading by striking ``Aviation penalties'' and 
    inserting ``Penalties''; and
        (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``or section 1136(g) 
    (related to an aircraft accident)'' and inserting ``section 
    1136(g), or section 1139(g)''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 11 of title 49, 
United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 
1155 and inserting the following:
``1155. Penalties.''.
SEC. 1217. ELECTRONIC AVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC DOCKET RECORDS.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 24 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the National Transportation Safety Board shall 
make all records included in the public docket of an accident or 
incident investigation conducted by the Board (or the public docket of 
a study, report, or other product issued by the Board) electronically 
available in a publicly accessible database on a website of the Board, 
regardless of the date on which such public docket or record was 
created.
    (b) Database.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Board may 
utilize the multimodal accident database management system established 
pursuant to section 1108 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 
U.S.C. 1119 note) or such other publicly available database as the 
Board determines appropriate.
    (c) Briefings.--The Board shall provide the appropriate committees 
of Congress an annual briefing on the implementation of this section 
until requirements of subsection (a) are fulfilled. Such briefings 
shall include--
        (1) the number of public dockets that have been made 
    electronically available pursuant to this section; and
        (2) the number of public dockets that were unable to be made 
    electronically available, including all reasons for such inability.
    (d) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``public docket'' and 
``record'' have the same meanings given such terms in section 801.3 of 
title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of 
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 1218. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.
    Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the National Transportation Safety Board shall implement a drug testing 
program applicable to Board employees, including employees in safety or 
security sensitive positions, in accordance with Executive Order No. 
12564 (51 Fed. Reg. 32889).
SEC. 1219. ACCESSIBILITY IN WORKPLACE.
    (a) In General.--Not later than 12 months after the date of 
enactment of this Act, the National Transportation Safety Board shall 
conduct an assessment of the headquarters and regional offices of the 
Board to determine barriers to accessibility to facilities.
    (b) Contents.--In conducting the assessment under subsection (a), 
the Board shall consider compliance with--
        (1) the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et 
    seq.) and the corresponding accessibility guidelines established 
    under part 1191 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations; and
        (2) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 
    12101 et seq.).
SEC. 1220. MOST WANTED LIST.
    (a) Reporting Requirements.--Section 1135 of title 49, United 
States Code, is amended by striking subsection (e).
    (b) Report on Most Wanted List Methodology.--Section 1106 of the 
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-254) and the item 
relating to such section in the table of contents under section 1(b) of 
such Act are repealed.
SEC. 1221. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
    (a) Evaluation and Audit of National Transportation Safety Board.--
Section 1138(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking 
``expenditures of the National Transportation Safety'' and inserting 
``expenditures of the''.
    (b) Organization and Administrative.--The analysis for chapter 11 
of title 49, United States Code, is further amended--
        (1) by striking the items relating to sections 117 and 1117; 
    and
        (2) by inserting after the item relating to section 1116 the 
    following:
``1117. Methodology.''.

    (c) Surface Transportation Board.--The analysis for subtitle II of 
title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item 
relating to chapter 11 the following:
``13. Surface Transportation Board...............................1301''.

SEC. 1222. AIR SAFETY INVESTIGATORS.
    (a) Removal of FAA Medical Certificate Requirement.--Not later than 
60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the 
Office of Personnel Management, in consultation with the Administrator 
and the Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, shall 
take such actions as may be necessary to revise the eligibility 
requirements for the Air Safety Investigating Series 1815 occupational 
series (and any similar occupational series relating to transportation 
accident investigating) to remove any requirement that an individual 
hold a current medical certificate issued by the Administrator.
    (b) Updates to Other Requirements.--
        (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
    enactment of this Act, the Director, in coordination with the 
    Administrator and Chairman, shall take such actions as may be 
    necessary to update and revise experiential, educational, and other 
    eligibility requirements for the Air Safety Investigating Series 
    1815 occupational series (and any similar occupational series 
    relating to transportation accident investigating).
        (2) Considerations.--In updating the requirements under 
    paragraph (1), the Director shall consider--
            (A) the direct relationship between any requirement and the 
        duties expected to be performed by the position;
            (B) changes in the skills and tools necessary to perform 
        transportation accident investigations; and
            (C) such other considerations as the Director, 
        Administrator, or Chairman determines appropriate.
SEC. 1223. REVIEW OF NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD PROCUREMENTS.
    Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, 
the Comptroller General shall, pursuant to section 1138 of title 49, 
United States Code, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a 
report regarding the procurement and contracting planning, practices, 
and policies of the National Transportation Safety Board, including 
such planning, practices, and policies regarding sole-source contracts.

                     TITLE XIII--REVENUE PROVISIONS

SEC. 1301. EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY FROM AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND.
    (a) In General.--Section 9502(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
1986 is amended--
        (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking ``May 
    11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''; and
        (2) in subparagraph (A) by striking the semicolon at the end 
    and inserting ``or the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024;''.
    (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 9502(e)(2) of such Code is 
amended by striking ``May 11, 2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
SEC. 1302. EXTENSION OF TAXES FUNDING AIRPORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND.
    (a) Fuel Taxes.--Section 4081(d)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code 
of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting 
``September 30, 2028''.
    (b) Ticket Taxes.--
        (1) Persons.--Section 4261(k)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue 
    Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting 
    ``September 30, 2028''.
        (2) Property.--Section 4271(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal 
    Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and 
    inserting ``September 30, 2028''.
    (c) Fractional Ownership Programs.--
        (1) Fuel tax.--Section 4043(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 
    1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and inserting 
    ``September 30, 2028''.
        (2) Treatment as noncommercial aviation.--Section 4083(b) of 
    the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 11, 
    2024'' and inserting ``October 1, 2028''.
        (3) Exemption from ticket tax.--Section 4261(j) of the Internal 
    Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``May 10, 2024'' and 
    inserting ``September 30, 2028''.

                               Speaker of the House of Representatives.

                            Vice President of the United States and    
                                               President of the Senate.